USA > Maine > Oxford County > Peru > The history of Peru in the County of Oxford and State of Maine, from 1789 to 1911. Residents and genealogies of their families, also a part of Franklin plan > Part 3
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1810. Peru Center.
View from Meeting House. See rock in river, head waters of steamboat navigation 1853.
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View of Peru Center, Maine.
P. & R. F. Ry., here June 1892. 9 miles below Rumford Falls. See end of Greene store and meeting house behind tree beyond. Androscoggin river at right. looking up stream.
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Rockemeka Grange. P. of H., No. 10. Erected 1901 across street opposite the Meeting House.
THE NEW YORK FJDUC LIBRARY
FOX AND OV ATIONS.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF PERU
current, past the big boulder on the right, it would have tested the strength of boat to best advantage, and probably pulled through.
Stores and Traders at Peru Center
The first man known in trade at Peru Cent. was George W. Lunt, in 1819. It is not known when he began. The first Lunts came around 1800. Geo. W. was of age in March, 1815. He may have begun soon after. Next was Stephen Gammon, 1825- 1830, located just above the house of Henry R. Robinson, at Peru Cent. Mr. Gammon first located here, built a house, barn and store, on about 30 acres of land. He was the leading trader in this part of the town. Goods came from Portland to Hallowell by boat, and hauled by ox team, two trips a week; freight, 50 cents per 100 pounds. One line of his deal was shaved pine shingles, bought for $? per M., paid 25 cents freight to Hallowell, and sold for $3. He was town treasurer at one time, and taxpayers were permitted to bring in grain in payment of their taxes, the price to be named by the selectmen, payment by Feb. 1. The next in this line was an Englishman, a new comer by the name of Cocka- roff, in a small shop just below the mill stream, as late as 1835. One article of trade was New England rum and molasses.
Another trader in the early thirties was Samuel L. Bailey, on his home farm. Though a successful farmer and drover, the credit system beat him and he quit. Daniel Deshon had a small stock of goods at East Peru, about 1846 to 1850, furnished by his son, John M., a merchant at Canton vill. many years. This was subsequent to tending his gristmill there.
First Store at West Peru
The first store at West Peru was that of Gideon Norris, located on the lot occupied by the Samuel F. Robinson dwelling house. He was in trade a large portion of the thirties. In 1840 the store had passed to Timothy Ludden. He built the John Putnam dwell- ing house and sold house and store to Lyman Bolster. The latter built the brick store that is now the Grange building. He was in trade from around 1842 to 1866, when he moved to Bryant Pond.
The next on the list about the same period of Bolster was Alvah Small. He built a new store. His account book, 1840, shows trade generally was a barter deal on credit. Credit entries of farm products include ashes, which trader converted into potash and shipped to Portland. After Bolster, came Alpheus C. Small,
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in the brick store, where he was trader and postmaster, in charge for a term of years, till his death.
Wm. Woodsum, Jr., began trade in the Alvah Small store around the middle fifties, and continued not far from thirty years. The next to occupy the brick store was Edwin Babb, agent for Rockemeka Grange, No. 109. Prior to 1892 the Grange store occupied the Fred Barstow shoe shop.
The Woodsum store passed to Benj. L. Rowe, formerly a black- smith at this village several years. He had a good trade in the old store till he built the large edifice comprising store and tenement now occupied by Joseph Putnam, trader and postmaster. Benj. L. Rowe continued in trade in new store about two years, and was followed by his brother. Geo. L. Both were well patronized. The next in trade here was Henry F. Floyd. who kept a small stock of goods and did a safe deal. sharing the confidence and good will of the people, while he maintained the post of honor. The most successful of Peru's sons in commercial deal in town is Wm. Snow Walker. He began around 1861, with scarcely a dollar, to make tinware in the old Greene store at center of town, having bar- gained for the premises. He sold a year or two later to Elisha S. Wyman and settled at West vill., where he kept a country store forty years, till near close of 1903, when he sold store and goods for about seven and a half thousand dollars, cash down. He had accumulated at least twenty thousand dollars worth of property. and best of judges estimated him thirty thousand. Another of Peru's sons. a generation earlier, John M. Deshon, at Canton. ac- cuinulated in trade and usury fifty thousand dollars.
A New Store at West Peru
John A. Putnam opened a new store at West Peru 1904-5. and sold about two years after to Eugene Staples from Carthage. He was in trade till store and goods burned. Mr. Putnam opened a new store, 1909-10. Geo. W. Goding & Son, successors to W. S. Walker. carry a large stock of goods. The first store at Diekvale was built and run by Orin Tracy. 1856-7. He was living in 1904 near Oxford vill. John C. Wyman. Jr., kept a small stock of goods on sale in connection with the postoffice. in the eighties and nineties, at Diekvale. Returning to Peru Cent., Jonas Greene bought the Joseph Ricker stand in 1849 and erected what is now the Kidder Bros.' store. He was in trade till early sixties, and held the office of postmaster. He had a good trade and gained property. For nearly thirty years. up to about 1890. the Greene
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West Peru Village. West side on road to Dickvale. Looking down Main Street. first on right is the James Gowell house, left on street is Mrs. Bearce's millinery shop, next is West Peru Grange hall, formerly Lyman Bolster store. On left of hall is the old Bolster house.
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store was owned and run by Elisha S. Wyman. He had an exten- sive trade and was postmaster till about 1888. Greenleaf Hods- don came from Byron in 1889 and kept a small stock of goods in the Levi Lunt house, about a year. He next built the Wilma Kid- der house at the Cent. and bought the Wyman store. He kept a general country store till 1898, and sold store and goods to Barrett and Kidder.
Win. H. Bent built the set of buildings on the east side of road. above the Kidder store, where he was in trade a short time around the middle seventies. He was made postmaster in 1891 and kept office in store-room till mail came on cars, and since at his house. Hamlin Ireland opened a store at East Peru about 1900, built up quite a trade in groceries. and was given the postof- fice, which had been kept in private houses several years. After two years he sold to Chas. N. Luce, who built a new store that is an ornament to the place.
The First Mills in Town
Plantation at March meeting, 1813, voted to lay out a road from Lunt's Mill to George Walker's. This mill at the center of the town was first built by James Lunt, probably a year or two before this date. It consisted of an up and down saw for long lumber, driven by an undershot wheel, with a separate nigger wheel to propel the carriage bearing the log. Its capacity was about a thousand feet per day, if well tended. At the lower end of the mill, in the basement, was a room containing a set of granite millstones for coarse grinding. There was a drop floor with stairs from first floor, where the meal trough held the meal till shoveled into bag. This mill was subsequently sold to Henry Wragg, an emigrant from England. He was in possession and living on southi bank of mill stream in spring of 1839. Prior to this he was a farmer and successor to Merrill Knight, Jr., on his father's farm. He built the main house now standing on the first farm cleared in town ; and he sold the farm to Nathaniel Jackson; also the mill property to another Englishman, Edward Johnson who, with an- other man by the name of Cockaroff, was the principal delegation from England, preceding Philip Andrews, as settlers in Pern.
Cockaroff had left town, and doubtless returned to his native land. as did Edward Johnson, a single man, in spring of 1840. In April he sold the mill property and land to Robinson Turner. Jr., and started at once for England. When there, in 1845, the last named person learned of the safe return of Johnson. Johnson was
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subject to deranged mind. One day he was sitting on the forge of Joseph Ricker's blacksmith shop, watching the fire as the bel- lows forced the sparks up, when he threw a five dollar gold piece, an English sovereign, into the flame. Mr. Ricker caught a glimpse of the shining metal before it reached the fire. He raked the coals and ashes over to find the coin, or some part, while Johnson seemed to delight watching every movement, expecting every mo- ment to see his coin again. I need not say no trace could be found.
First Burr Stones in the County
In summer and fall of 1844, Robinson Turner, Jr., built a new gristmill on the site of the old mill and introduced the first burr stones brought into Oxford County. They were manufactured by convicts at Charlestown, Mass., prison, the stone brought from France, and the pieces for the wheat mill and those for coarse grinding selected separately by Turner at the prison, as likewise those for the center around the eye and those at the outer edge. As quarried, this stone varies much in texture. It is porous, from coarse to fine. The pieces are fitted like patch work, and held together by cement, and the top covered several inchies with plaster paris and held by iron bands.
Successive Owners of Mill
The Rev. Leonard Norcross of Dixfield superintended the con- struction of gear and machinery. The wheat mill was fitted with a fine silk bolt. Wheat was grown extensively in those days, and the mill commanded a large run of custom from all the surround- ing towns. It did a thriving business for twenty years. The mill passed to Mr. Silver of Rumford, whose daughter, Addie E., was the wife of John V. Young, then manufacturing boots and shoes at this place. The mill was in charge of Goodwin Benson one or two years, and next passed to Gustavus Hayford of Canton. In the fall freshet of 1869, a portion of the underwork, including the wheat bolt on the drop floor of the mill, was carried with the flood down stream. This was due to slabs from the sawmill then erected by Hayford. That ended grinding wheat. The mill was in charge of George O. and Octavius Hayford, sons of Gustavus, a few years before it passed to Alonzo Pomroy of Sumner, in 1879 or 1880. He held and managed the mill about eight years, and sold mill, house and lot to Amos A. Babb. He held the mill property about two years, but did not occupy the premises or operate the mill
Dixfield Village from Peru. Me.
View from West Peru station. Sugar Loaves at left. See iron bridge across Webbs river, Dixfield Village down river.
2 . LIGMARY
TILDIN FUNDA. ICHA.
The Toll Bridge and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Dixfield, Me. View fiom R. R. station ground at West Peru.
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much. Rev. Mr. Ventres and sons ran the sawmill a few weeks to accommodate a few customers. He could do most any kind of work well. He was a good brick mason, and was not above work; was always busy out of the pulpit. He contributed much labor in painting and reshingling the old meeting-house during his pas- torate here with the Baptist church, three years or more. The mill property passed from Babb to Howard Turner, the present owner.
The First Grist Mill at West Peru
The first gristmill at West Peru was located, in 1822, where the Austin sawmill was burned in spring of 1905. It was known as the Curtis mill. Josiah Curtis was a member of the board of selectmen in 1821 and 1822, and believed to be the owner or occu- pant of the mill. The first owner of this and the adjoining water power, revealed, was one Mary Gilman of Lexington, Ky. Her executor, John Peck, conveyed by deed of warranty, Aug. 28, 1833, to Stephen Putnam of Peru the Curtis mill and the land and water power of the Arnold mill. It is known that this mill at that date was getting past service. It was taken down and the mill site sold by Putnam to Wm. S. Ludden, who erected the first sawmill at this part of the town. It is claimed that Timothy Ludden built the second gristmill, now the Arnold mill, on the , Putnam mill site, further down the stream. Evidently this mill was owned in partnership. Putnam, at date of death, in 1844, owned one undivided half of this gristmill, and his widow, Beulah Putnam, and her heir, Levi Randall, deeded, May 27, 1846, said half of mill and lot to Robinson Turner of Peru for seven hundred dollars. He sold in about a year to David F. Brown of Peru.
The next owner of Putnam's gristmill known to writer was Alpheus C. Small. It passed to Phanuel White, and next to Ira J. Parlin of Weld, who came to this village in September, 1867. His successor was Joseph A. Arnold, whose sons are the present owners, under the firm of Arnold Bros., dealers in feed and flour. For sawmill continued here, see life of John E. Jenne, of Joseph E. Jenne family.
Columbia
One hundred and thirty-four years ago there sprang into being a new nation, such as never had been since the world began; a
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nation , in whose destiny were wrapped the interests of Liberty and Civilization to the end of time. Columbia, the asylum for the oppressed, the land of the free.
Columbia! 'tis a glorious land ; Our own beloved native clime ; By Freedom's eagle wings 'tis fanned, Her banner o'er it floats sublime.
Her snow-crowned mountains rising high, E'er to her star-gemmed azure dome, Her vales and plains, where'er they lie, We love them well, for 'tis our home. Her breezes may not bear the bloom, Of Italy's bright sunny land- Or laden with the rich perfume, Of far Arabia's burning strand.
But O, our country ; all the more, We love thee for thy northern skies; We love thy free surf-beaten shore --- Above all others, thee we prize.
Our native land, to thee we turn, From all the Eastern pomp and pride ; With love our patriot bosoms burn- Thou'rt dearer than all else beside ;
' Far dearer to us, freemen born, Than e'er the spicy Eastern strand, Though of thy glories thou wast shorn, We'd bless thee still; our native land.
To what great cause or influence do we owe our National ex- istence, and just when and where in the annals of time, did that influence begin, which culminated in the birth of our glorious Republic ? Was it religious intolerance, or political oppression ? either or both that gave rise to our government ? yea prompted the most liberal, patriotic, philanthropic spirit of its founders, while enacting an unheard-of compact, the Declaration of Independence, that endowed its authors with wisdom, while they embodied a Heaven born principle.
"All men are created equal."
Was it instigated by the hand of cruel oppression, that drove from their homes a little band of Puritans, who were accustomed
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to meet for religious worship with their pastor, one John Robin- son at the residence of William Brewster in Scrooby, England, compelling them to seek refuge in Holland, and for what? Simply because these people did not believe it was right to worship God in the manner required by the laws of the country, or Church of England. They professed to follow the pure word of God, in opposition to the many traditions and ceremonies then prevailing. We little realize the hardships and presecutions they bore.
Again we ask. Shall we say, that to their Christian character, and invincible will; their independence of thought and action ; we are indebted largely for the freedom of our institutions, the light of civilization and refinement? yea, the formation, and perpetuation of the most generous and humane government and the best government on earth ?
We know that America owes her greatness to the sterling worth of those intrepid Puritan pioneers, who were the best gift of the old world to the new.
It it well known that this little band lived together in peace and love and holiness at Amsterdam, Holland, about twelve years. that they then decided to plant a colony in America; that a por- tion of them, forty-one men with women and children, after many delays and rebuffs and after a boisterous voyage of more than three months, finally reached Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the Mayflower, 1620. Would it not be a satisfaction to know who of their descendants are living today and their history. *
"Jaras a tax of three pence per pound on tea, says one, that induced the colonists to secede from England, in as much as Eng- land would not allow them representation in Parliament.
This leads us to ask whose teaching and influence gave char- acter to the redoubtable James Otis of Massachusetts, that bril- liant, bold and defiant orator, the creator of the theory of inde- pendence, and one of the leading spirits who incited the colonists to united action in seeking a redress of their wrongs, and to con- tend for their rights. We claim this theory was the result largely of the religious teaching of Pilgrim Fathers.
Religions motives influenced the first settlers of all the New England colonies. Church and civil matters were united, and church members only in two of the colonies were permitted to vote and hold office.
* See names of 103 passengers of Mayflower at close of book.
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There was a law at one time requiring people to attend church on Sunday so often or pay a fine. It has been said that history repeats itself. How would it work to have such a law now ?
In 1648 persons were fined one shilling for violating Fast Day in shooting a rabbit. People's tastes, like fashions, change. Then the law protected the day-now the day, both Sunday and Fast Day, is left, to protect or take care of itself, while the law seeks to protect the rabbit or in its stead a partridge, or a fish.
In 1730 at Baltimore a duty of from five to twenty shillings was laid upon all bachelors. I suppose the duty varied with the size. It is said the result was, old maids were not to be met with neither jealousy of husbands. Better have that law again.
I will tell a short story. A young clergyman having agreed to supply the pulpit of an older brother absent from home, escorted to church the daughter of the pastor, and after seeing her safely in her father's pew, ascended to the pulpit unconscious that this natural attention to the young lady was sufficient to excite lively imaginations and inquiries in the audience.
Upon reading the hymn to be sung, the young clergyman was surprised to perceive evident efforts in the congregation to sup- press laughter.
The daughter of his friend possessed the mellifluous name of Grace, and all unsuspicious of that fact he had chosen the hymn, beginning with the words "Amazing grace" and proceeding with :
"T'was grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed :
Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come ; 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Grange and Prohibition
The following resolutions were adopted at the annual meeting of the Maine State Grange Dec. 23, 1910, in view of their definite and sturdy declarations of fundamental principles there would seem to be no doubt as to where the farmers of Maine stand in the fight that is upon us.
Whereas: To educate and elevate American farmers and to promote the welfare of our country and of mankind are funda-
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mental principles of our organization, and it has always been the aim and desire of all true Patrons of Husbandry to work for the improvement of social conditions and the betterment of the morals of our people by carrying out principles of our order, and,
Whereas: Alcoholic liquor is the greatest evil of modern times, an enemy to progress and education, a destroyer of true manhood and womanhood, a menace to our homes, a burden to the State and a foe to good government and is in every way directly op- posed to the principles of our order, and,
Whereas: Absolute prohibition is the only right and rational method of dealing with the liquor traffic, and the only method that we can conscientiously sanction, therefore, be it
Resolved: By the Maine State Grange in annual session as- sembled, representing nearly 60,000 patrons, that we emphatically protest against the repeal of the 26th amendment to our State constitution prohibiting the manufacture or sale of alcoholic liquors within the State.
Resolved : That it is the duty of every subordinate and Po- mona Grange within the state to use all means possible to prevent the repeal of this amendment; and be it further
Resolved: That so far as possible we co-operate with and assist the churches, the Civic League, Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union, and all other organizations opposed to the repeal of said amendment in retaining it upon our statute book.
Peru Baptist Church
Plantation Number One, from which, in 1821, was incorpor- ated the town of Peru, was settled about the year 1800. Some Baptist families were among the early settlers. At the request of thesc resident Baptists a council was called September 9, 1818, at the house of Benjamin Wormell, for the purpose of church or- ganization. This council consisted of delegates from the Baptist church at Dixfield, and the First and Second Baptist churches of Livermore. The nine constituent members were : Jabez Delano, Grace Delano, Brada Bailey, Nancy Bailey, Benjamin Wormell, Anna Wormell, Robinson Turner, Gilbert Hatheway, Samson Freeman.
From the time of organization until 1843 the church had no regular pastor and supplies only a part of the time. Rev. Jackson I'almer Haines and others preached occasionally. In the early days two brethren from this church were licensed to preach: Gil-
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bert Hatheway, August 25, 1821; and Larnard Cummings, April 22, 1833.
May 8, 1830, Rev. Elias Nelson from the Third church in Liv- ermore united with the Peru church and remained three years preaching a part of the time. May 12, 1830, the church voted to unite with the church at Dixfield and in later years a number of pastors supplied Peru and East Dixfield churches. From the or- ganization of the church until 1843 about twenty-five were taken into the church.
Services were held in schoolhouses and private residences for at least thirty years when the Baptists began to occupy the Metho- dist meeting-house at Peru Center. In 1894, the meeting-house was purchased by the Baptists. Repairs to the amount of about one hundred dollars were made at that time. March 14 and 15, 1843, a Quarterly Meeting was held at Bethel and a council com- posed of delegates to that Quarterly Meeting ordained Brother S. Wyman of the Peru church for the gospel ministry. Brother Wy- man became pastor of the Peru church and remained until Sep- tember 20, 1868. During his pastorate twenty-six joined the church by baptism, fifteen by letter and nine by experience.
Of this number, nineteen became members through the efforts of Rev. R. B. Andrews, who came to the church for special meet- ings in 1865. Elder Andrews came as one of a committee from the association to visit and hold meetings for three days with feeble churches. In about four years from this time Brother Andrews worked with this church in connection with the East Dixfield church and great results were felt. It was not a time of revival but of reformation. A great many who were converted at that time became members of the Free Will Baptist church and many also were added to the Methodist church in Peru. From the resignation of Rev. S. S. Wyman until June, 1869, Elder Andrews was pastor of the church.
In 1869, Rev. Charles Parker supplied the church in connec- tion with the Canton church and his work was greatly appreciated. During 1870 and 1871, Rev. R. Dunham from Bryant's Pond sup- plied the church occasionally.
In 1872, Rev. C. H. Wyman preached at Peru and East Dix- field and 1873 Rev. J. R. Herrick supplied the same churches. A few years later Mr. Herrick was called to Peru to baptize three candidates. Rev. 1. B. Pendleton came in 1875 and remained three years in connection with the church at East Dixfield. Three were baptized and united with the church during that time.
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Then, for about three years, the church was without a pastor until Rev. G. L. Lewis came to Peru and Canton in 1881. In 1883 Rev. W. E. Morse supplied Peru and East Dixfield.
During 1885 Rev. W. H. S. Ventres was pastor at Peru and Canton and in 1886 became pastor of Peru church only. During his pastorate eight were baptized and united with the church.
Rev. J. M. Long from Canton supplied the church in 1887 and 1888. Mr. Long proved himself to be a man of deep earnest- ness and thorough scholarly attainments.
Again for four years the church was without a pastor. During 1893 and 1894, Rev. H. M. Purington from Canton, preached once each month and held a prayer-meeting each week. In 1895, Rev. S. D. Richardson from Hebron supplied once in two weeks. Mr. Richardson baptized two who united with the church.
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