USA > Maine > Oxford County > Waterford > The history of Waterford, Oxford County, Maine, comprising Historical address, by Henry P. Warren; record of families, by Rev. William Warren, D.D.; centennial proceedings, by Samuel Warren, esq > Part 16
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Children :
Solomon, b. 1797; m. Eunice Edwards. Thomas T., D.D., b. 1799; m. Laura Poor. Susan M., b. 1806; m. Stephen Proctor.
294
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
SOLOMON STONE (3d gen.), who married EUNICE EDWARDS, was son of Deacon Solomon Stone, and lived on a part of the old place; a farmer.
Children :
Mary Jane, m. Geo. W. Pattee. Abby, m. Andrew J. Pattee. Laura.
Ellen, m. 1st, James Jordan; 2d, Joseph Small.
JOEL STONE, born 1766, married LUCINDA PARKHURST, born 1772. He resided in the Gambo district ; a farmer.
Children :
Lucinda, b. 1796; m. John Proctor.
Eber, b. 1797; m. Nancy Atherton.
Nancy, b. 1800; was a teacher.
Emma, b. 1803; m. Daniel Plummer.
Sarah, b. 1806; m. Moses Young.
EBER STONE (2d gen.), who married NANCY ATHERTON, lived on the home place.
Children :
Augusta, m. Joel Stone.
Oscar, m. Mary Kenney.
Moody K., m. Maria Merrill.
Joel A., m. Annice McEllory. Nancy, m. Henry Danley.
William, m. Elizabeth H. Wilkins. Walter, died in the war.
DAVID STONE married LUCY W. SAMPSON. He came from Harvard, Mass., in 1796, and lived in the west part of the town, near Sweden.
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295
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
Children :
Susan W., m. Deacon Aaron Cummings ; no children. Joseph, m. Mary Bridge; eight children. James (deacon), m. Harriet Holden; seven children. Rebecca, m. Jeremiah Hale; three children. David S., m. Eliza Walker; six children. Hiram, m. Polly Wheeler; four children. Lorenzo, m. Jemima Tubbs ; two children. Lydia R., m. William Foster; three children. Henry M., m. Elizabeth Forsythe ; two children. Thomas S., m. Sarah Treadwell.
SWAN.
DUDLEY SWAN, born 1774, married first, SALLY GREEN, born 1777 ; second, MRS. SARAH LANG. He came from Bethel, Maine, and resided in the north part of the town, near Lovell ; was a cooper and farmer.
Children :
Betsey, b. 1797.
Daniel, b. 1799; m. Annette Farrar.
Caleb, b. 1800.
Dolly, b. 1802.
Sarah, b. 1804.
Abel, b. 1807; m. Betsey Swan.
Joseph, b. 1809.
Thomas, b. 1810; m. Eliza Sanderson.
Lydia,
Mary, b. 1814.
Caleb P., b. 1823.
Charles D.
THOMPSON.
EDWARD THOMPSON married - COLLEY. He came from Shelburne, N. H .; resided in several places in town.
296
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
Children :
Joseph M., m. Catharine Whitney.
James, m. in New Gloucester. Greenleaf, died at sea. Edward Castor, m. Caroline S. Sampson. Elizabeth S., m. Alvin C. Shaw.
JOSEPH M. THOMPSON (2d gen.), born 1804, who married in 1825 CATHERINE WHITNEY, born 1804, was from Gray. His father removed to Waterford, and apprenticed him to the blacksmith trade, in which he excelled. He early left that busi- ness, and kept hotel ; first, in New Gloucester, then was pro- prietor of the Casco House, Portland; was city marshal. Af- terward, he was proprietor of the Glen House, Gorham, N. H., a favorite resort for travelers and boarders, and was one of the best kept houses in the country.
Children :
Caroline E., m. Joseph R. Lufkin.
Abram W., m. Frances E. Stevens. Charles M., m. Annette E. Eastman. Harriet N., m. Stephen H. Cummings. George F.
TREADWELL.
MRS. THOMAS TREADWELL came to Waterford with her family from Littleton, Mass. She was born in 1742, died in 1839, at about the age of ninety-seven. Her husband, Thomas Treadwell, was a soldier in the Revolution. After his death, with characteristic fortitude and heroism, Mrs. Treadwell came with her family to this then wilderness ; was a woman of great force of character.
297
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
Children :
Hepzibah, m. Deacon Solomon Stone.
Hannah, m. - Farnsworth.
Moses (deacon), m. Jane Hawes. Esther, m. Samuel Saunders.
Sally, m. Gen. John Perley.
DEACON MOSES TREADWELL (2d gen.), married JANE HAWES. He was the son of Thomas Treadwell, and came with his mother to Waterford after the Revolution. He lived in the Plummer district, and served as captain, in the defense of Port- land, in the war of 1814.
Children :
Jane, b. 1806; m. Deacon Asa Gould.
Thomas (Col.), b. 1807; m. 1st, Elizabeth Plummer; 2d, Sarah Whit- comb.
Maria, b. 1809.
Mary H., m. 1st, Elijah Holt; 2d, Joseph Kellogg.
Sarah P., b. 1816; m. Thomas S. Stone.
Samuel, b. 1818.
William H., b. 1822; m. in Boston .
WALKER.
DR YOUNG WALKER married MRS. MERCY CROMBIE, widow of Dr. Samuel Crombie. He resided between the two villages, west of Tom pond. He had natural and acquired qualifica- tions for eminence in his profession.
Children :
Jane, m. Stephen Ball. William.
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298
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
WARREN.
ABIJAH WARREN, born 1770, married in 1801 LYDIA SAUN- DERS, born 1776. He came from Harvard, Mass., about 1798; lived in North Waterford, west of Beech hill. Was teacher of common schools, and of music ; also a farmer.
Children :
Betsey, b. 1799.
John C., b. 1816; m. Elizabeth Brown.
MAJ. SAMUEL WARREN, born 1766, married in 1794 POLLY GREEN, born 1772. He came to Waterford in 1786. He lived where Daniel Warren now resides ; he was farmer, cooper and brick layer, and dealt in timber.
Children :
Perley, b. 1795; served in the war of 1814; afterward traded on the Flat; died 1825.
Mary, b. 1797; m. Deacon Amos Gage.
Sarah, b. 1799; died 1821.
William, b. 1801; died in infancy.
Lydia, b. 1803; m. Capt. Thomas Kilborne.
William (Rev.), b. 1806; m. Mary H. Lamson.
Daniel, b. 1808; lives on the home place.
Eliza, b. 1812; died young.
Samuel, b. 1815; m. Irene B. Gage.
Mary G. Swan, a niece, b. 1814; resided in the family till her death in 1842.
DEACON WILLIAM WARREN, born 1774, married first, DOR- OTHA GREEN ; second, RUTH KILBORNE ; third, SARAH ALLEN. He came from Harvard, Mass., about 1794, an invalid ; had no children ; lived in North Waterford; a farmer and cabinet maker. His apprentices were Abel Houghton, Josiah Hough- ton (afterward a Baptist clergyman), Josiah Moulton, Stephen
299
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
Eastman (deacon), Nathaniel Lovejoy, Abiel Whiting, Jacob H. Green, William W. Green, who had large influence in building up the village at North Waterford, also in building the house of worship, and in sustaining preaching there.
CAPT. PETER WARREN married for his second wife EUNICE LIBBEY. He was successor to Eli Longley in the tavern on the Flat ; came to town about 1818, from Portland, where he had reared a family from his first marriage, an account of which we have not obtained. From the second marriage, there were Ann and Eliza. They removed to the South, and we have no further knowledge of them.
WATSON.
ELIPHALET WATSON, born 1759, married ZIPPORAH PAR- TRIDGE, born 1757.
Children :
Eben, b. 1783; m. Polly Sampson. Rhoda, b. 1791. Rebecca, b. 1795.
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EBEN WATSON (2d gen.), who married POLLY SAMPSON, lived in different places in town; was a farmer by occupation.
Children :
Sally, m. Alonzo Stone. Samuel S., m. Harriet Anthoine.
Mary, m. 1st. Abner F. Knight; 2d, Eben Plummer.
Simon N., m. Sarah Stone.
COLEMAN WATSON, born 1751, married PATIENCE THOMES born 1748. He came from Buxton, Maine, in 1795, lived in Gambo district; a farmer.
300
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
Children :
Mercy, b. 1774; m. Abel Knight.
Stephen, b. 1776; m. Hannah Nourse.
Hannah, b. 1778; m. Samuel Scribner. Isaac, b. 1779; m. Deborah Sampson.
John, b. 1781; m. Polly Bangs. Eunice, b. 1783; m. Eben Bisbee.
James, b. 1785; m. in Massachusetts.
Edmund, b. 1797; m. Hepzibah Flint.
ISAAC WATSON (2d gen.), who married DEBORAH SAMPSON was son of Coleman Watson. He came with the family from Buxton, Maine, at the age of fourteen, and resided in the Gambo district ; a farmer.
Children :
James S., m. Mary Williams.
Daniel T., m. 1st, Nancy Nourse; 2d, Mary Tidd.
Samuel C., m. Dolly Nourse. Ansel L., m. Mahala Casely.
Mercy, m. William Merrill.
Olive, m. Joel S. Kimball. Christopher. Eliza, m. Amos Flint. Lincoln R., m. Persis Mitchell. Nancy S., m. Cushing L. Mitchell. Alice S.
STEPHEN WATSON (2d gen.), who married HANNAH NOURSE, came from Buxton, Maine, and lived in the east part of the town.
Children :
Lois, m. Justus Lowe. Mary. John, m. Eliza Peabody. William, m. Elmira Lary. 1st, m. Abel, Susan Homes; 2d, Cordelia Burbank.
301
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
WHEELER.
SAMUEL WHEELER married POLLY LONGLEY. He came from Stow, Mass., and resided in West Waterford ; was a farmer by occupation.
Children :
Polly, b. 1803; m. Hiram Stone.
Harriet, b. 1806; m. Nathaniel Rollins.
Lucy L., b. 1809; m. E. Maxfield. Sophia, b. 1814; m. 1st, James Dingley; 2d, - Langley. Elizabeth, b. 1821; m. James Whitcomb.
GEORGE WHEELER, born 1781, married ASENATH KIMBALL. He came from Stow, Mass., and resided on the Flat, where he died. His widow married a Mr. Bradbury.
Children :
' George F., b. 1810; m. Caroline Billings. Calvin, b. 1811. Mary A., b. 1813.
WHITCOMB.
ABRAHAM WHITCOMB, born 1765, married SALLY ATHERTON. He was from Harvard, Mass .; settled in West Waterford in 1800, near "Duck pond," afterward, on the south-west side of "Beech hill."
Children :
Abraham, m. 1st, Betsey Houghton; 2d, Mary E. Horr. Sarah.
Isaac, m. Rachel Pike. Joel.
Calvin, m. Louisa Houghton.
William, m. Mary A. Harris.
Polly, m. Ai Burnham.
Sally.
Betsey, m. Robert Barstow.
302
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
ABRAHAM WHITCOMB (2d gen.), married first, BETSEY HOUGHTON; second, MARY E. HORR. He was son of Abra- ham Whitcomb, and settled with his father on the south side of " Beech hill."
Children :
John, b. 1819; m. 1st, Sarah B. Hamlin; 2d, Etta H. Kneeland. Eliza, b. 1822; m. Ist, Stephen Sanderson ; 2d, Milton Jewett. Elona.
ISAAC WHITCOMB (2d gen.), married RACHEL PIKE. He was son of Abraham, senior, and was settled in the same neighborhood, West Waterford ; a farmer.
Children :
Melville, m. Lucia Plummer.
Mary Ann. Marcellus, m. Ellen Fiske.
DAVID WHITCOMB, born 1764, married MARY EATON, born 1776. He came to Waterford from Bolton, Mass., and settled in the south part of the town ; a farmer.
Children :
Betsey.
Sallie, { twins; m. Darius Wilkins.
Polly, S
David, m. Lavinia Piper.
Ephraim, m. Eliza Merrill.
Mercy.
William.
Rebecca, m. Andrew Maybury.
PAUL WHITCOMB, born 1778, married in 1806 SALLY SAMP- SON, born 1788. He came from Bolton, Mass., and lived in the south-west corner of the town, near Sweden, to which place he afterward removed. He was a farmer and joiner, and in Sweden, was proprietor of mills.
303
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
Children :
Elmina, m. John Nevers.
Sarah, m. Col. Thomas Treadwell. Mercy, m. Luke Sawyer. Mary F.
Ephraim O., m. Eliza P. Richardson; was a Methodist preacher. Eliza W., m. Eben P. Hinkley.
Rebecca A., m. 1st, George Billings; 2d, Jonas Davis.
Caroline, m. P. T. Kimball.
William E., m. Elizabeth C. Wentworth.
Valentine, m. 1st, Alice -; 2d, Nancy A. Mack. Emeline, m. 1st, Henry S. Fogg; 2d, James A. Borden. Susan.
WHITMAN.
CHARLES WHITMAN, EsQ., born 1792, married in 1838 ROWE- NA COFFIN. Mr. Whitman was a lawyer; came from Portland, and opened a law office here in 1817. He removed to Wash- ington, D. C., in 1837, where he died in 1850. He was a pub- lic-spirited man, and was much in town business.
Children :
Charles Sidney, b. 1840; m. N. De S. Bostick, lawyer. Elizabeth Smith, b. 1841; died 1864.
Margaret Mclellan, b. 1844; died 1845. Louisa, b. 1847.
Lucia, b. 1848; m. Charles P. Russell, merchant.
WHITNEY.
ABRAM WHITNEY, born 1754, married first, HITTY WARE, born 1759; second, SARAH WHITMAN, born 1760 ; third, CATH- ERINE WOOD, born 1766; fourth, MRS. SARAH CONANT JEW- ELL, born 1762. Mr. W. moved from Stow, Mass .; was high sheriff of Middlesex county, came to Waterford in 1805, lived in the lower village ; was engaged in mills.
304
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
Children :
Sally, m. Bancroft Williams.
Abigail, m. James Williams.
Lucy.
John.
Jonathan, m. Abigail Brooks.
Catherine, m. Joseph M. Thompson.
Abram, m. Mary A. Hopkins.
Christopher, m. Dolly Brooks.
WILKINS.
JOHN WILKINS, who married ABIGAIL KIMBALL, removed from Massachusetts, and resided on Temple hill ; a farmer.
Children :
John.
John, m. Lydia Hamlin.
Abigail, m. Levi Whitney.
Laurinda, m. Stephen Lovejoy.
William K., m. Lorania Lovejoy.
Emerson, m. 1st, Rhoda Nutting; 2d, Algela Brown.
Augustus, m. Sarah Lowell.
Samuel N., m. Christiana Hobbs.
Eliza A., m. Otis Trafton.
Calvin.
Harriet, m. Josiah Lovejoy.
JOHN WILKINS (2d gen. and 3d gen. from Isaac Kimball), who married LYDIA HAMLIN, was son of John Wilkins, and resided first on Temple hill, then in Harrison, finally on the Flat in Waterford.
Children : Susan H., teacher in Brooklyn, N. Y. Eliza H., m. 1st, William Stone; 2d, Fred. M. Atherton.
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305
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
WILLARD.
BARZILLA WILLARD, born 1751, married in 1777 SYLVIA KINGMAN, born 1754. He moved from Harvard, Mass., to Waterford, in 1805, and settled on a farm in the south-west part of the town. He died in 1831, aged eighty. His wife, born in Bridgewater, Mass., died at the age of ninety-one.
Children :
Lewis, b. 1782; m. 1st, Mary Plaisted; 2d, Mary Moulton.
Catharine, b. 1784; m. Joseph Green.
Ira, b. 1785; died 1868.
Fanny, b. 1788; m. Ephraim Hapgood.
Chloe, b. 1790; m. Jonathan Morse.
William (Capt.), b. 1793; m. Jael Prince.
Sophia, b. 1796; m. Alonzo Robbins.
Also two infants; the children were all born in Harvard.
LEWIS WILLARD (2d gen.), born 1782, who married in 1807, WIDOW MARY MOULTON, was son of Barzilla Willard, and came with the family to Waterford, from Harvard, Mass., in 1805. He lived in the west part of the town ; a farmer; died 1851.
Children :
Mary, b. 1807; m. Oliver Atherson.
Abigail, b. 1809; m. Joseph Shaw.
Catharine, b. 1811; m. Carter Holt.
Eben, b. 1813; m. 1st, Hannah Barker; 2d, Mary Barker.
Josiah, b. 1815; m. 1st, Mary Noble; 2d, Louisa Bell.
Jane, b. 1818; m. Eben Bell.
Eliza, b. 1820; m. John Pike.
CAPT. WILLIAM WILLARD (2d gen.), who married JAEL PRINCE, was son of Barzilla Willard, lived in the lower village, was a harness maker, and carriage trimmer. He afterward kept hotel in Westbrook, Maine.
306
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
Children :
Elizabeth.
Leander G., b. 1818; m. Eliza Houghton.
Alexander, b. 1820.
Albion Shenstone, b. 1822; m. in Massachusetts.
Marietta L., b. 1824; m. in Massachusetts.
Ellen, b. 1826; m. George Lilly, in Massachusetts.
Matilda, b. 1828; m. George Libby.
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WOOD.
DANIEL WOOD married BETHIAH GATES. He lived in the Gambo district; a farmer.
Children :
Susan, b. 1799; m. Samuel Pike.
Bowdoin, b. 1800; m. 1st, Lucretia Fairbanks; 2d, Lucretia Richards.
Sally, b. 1802; m. Jacob Gilson.
Mary, b. 1804; m. Jonathan Martin.
Amelia, b. 1806; m. Nathaniel Horr.
Calista, b. 1809; m. William Foster.
Charlotte, b. 1813; m. Eli Merrill.
Harriet D., b. 1815.
WRIGHT.
JAMES WRIGHT married MARY
Children :
Richard, b. 1781.
Mary, b. 1783; m. Humphrey Saunders. Martha, b. 1786.
Rachel, b. 1793.
Dorcas, b. 1795; m. William Nevers.
Betsey M., b. 1804. Eliza, b. 1805; m. - Sylvester. Betsey M., b. 1809.
307
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
YOUNG.
CAPT. MOSES YOUNG, born 1803, married SARAH STONE, born 1805. He came from Fryeburg, Maine, about the year 1824 ; settled in North Waterford, where the village now is; afterward, South Waterford, where Mrs. Young now lives.
Children :
Charles, m. Harriet Kilgore.
Maria, m. Ichabod Hayes.
Henry, m. Ella Abbott. Amanda M., m. Stephen Caswell.
Abbie, m. Henry H. Savage.
Some families, whose records were not obtained till after the foregoing was in press, as follows :
FARMER.
SIMEON FARMER married NANCY SAMPSON. They came from Massachusetts. He was sexton in North Waterford for many years ; resided on the Benjamin Sampson place.
Children :
Mary Jane, m. in Massachusetts. Eliza.
Amos.
George O., m. Caroline Proctor.
KILGORE.
BENJAMIN KILGORE married RUTH HAZELTON, and moved to Waterford, with their family, from Fryeburg, about the year 1800, and settled in the south-east part of the town, near John Baker.
308
HISTORY OF WATERFORD.
Children :
Benjamin, died at sea.
Dominicus, m. Hannah Grover.
Gabriel, m. Susan Hamlin.
Reuben, m. Mary Bergen.
Mary, m. Joseph Eastman.
Naomi, m. Daniel McKenny.
Liberty, m. Jane Edwards.
GABRIEL KILGORE (2d gen.), who married SUSAN HAMLIN, was son of Benjamin Kilgore, who married Ruth Hazelton, and came to Waterford, with his parents, from Fryeburg.
Children :
Caroline, m. Henry Bailey.
Hamilton, m. Mary Stevens.
Harriet, m. William McWain.
Susan, m. Henry Dana.
Almira, m. Samuel Skillings.
Rebecca, m. Leavett B. McWain.
Charlotte. Emerson, m. Helen Hale.
Henry, m. Jane Stewart.
REUBEN KILGORE (2d gen.), who married MARY BERGEN, was also son of Benjamin and Ruth Kilgore, and came from Fryeburg, with them.
Children :
Mary A., died young.
Dean A., m. Mary Hill.
Nancy B., m. 1st, Ezekiel Dustan; 2d, Edward Hilton.
Huldah P., m. George Dennis. Eveline, m. Aldrus Adams. Rufus K., m. Philinda Harthorn.
Caroline A., m. John Mallard. Liberty, m. Susan Keene.
Leander D., m. Lydia Twombly. Andrew, m. Livonia True.
309
RECORD OF FAMILIES.
Some few errors will be noticed in the foregoing records: " was " for is, in connection with Dr. Carlton's record; "Col." got in before the names of Luther and Calvin Farrar. The press mistook an abbreviation for College, in the margin of the revised proof, for that of colonel, which was not among their honors. Other errors may be detected.
The change in the style of names will be noticed. The Bible names of the first half century are mostly superceded now by softer and more musical ones.
It will be noticed that the children of the first half century usually settled in town, and near the old homestead ; whereas, in the last half century, they oftener leave town for the city, manufacturing village, or far west.
It will be seen by the foregoing records, that the first half century of the town was an era of large families, averaging for this period of fifty years, but a fraction less than seven children to a family. The contrast in this respect between the first and the last fifty years of our town is noticeable, and not a little alarming. It must be admitted that the growth and prosper- ity of Waterford, in its first half century, was owing considera- bly to the size and health of the families. The thinning of its population, or falling off in the census of late, is to be traced largely to this cause.
CENTENNIAL
OF
WATERFORD,
1875.
REPORT.
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HISTORY is never complete, but continuous, and like the ever-changing views of a panorama. Since the day we were tracing back, as in the preceding pages, over the checkered scenes of the past, and in the slow progression of events, to the time when these beautiful fields were a solitary wood, and these hills and valleys, a homeless wilderness, years have intervened, and the pen that records, and the events that we recall, become historic. The Waterford Centennial, at once the scene and inspiration of the foregoing narrative of events, is but a continuation, and becomes itself history.
Although the annals of a quiet rural town cannot be sup- posed to afford much of interest, except to its own people, yet it had long been felt, that in some way the history of Waterford should be gathered up, while there were yet liv- ing receptacles of the "unwritten years." For its own, at least, the treasure-trove of the past should be preserved, and go down as a most sacred inheritance. And there is sadness in the thought, how little can be saved. The best efforts of the historian do not avail. Its volume cannot be recorded, and, except as it is written upon the hearts and lives of the living, it is lost. The drama but shadows it ; fiction strives to paint it. What romance and the drama aspire to is the real history of a people.
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314
WATERFORD CENTENNIAL.
In the sacred record, a curse is pronounced on those who " remove the ancient landmarks," so contrariwise there is a blessing in their preservation ; and it is ever pleasant and profitable to inquire for the " old paths."
The American people here passed through a terrible crisis, and the fires of patriotism were kindled anew; the same spirit of liberty and eternal right, that breathed in the decla- ration of independence, lived again and became intensified. The National Centennial was in prospect. From Lexington and Bunker Hill, and all the old battle fields, went up the shout of " liberty preserved." Towns caught up the inspi- ration, and all over the land, from a glad people, was heard the voice of thanksgiving. And truly the nation did inquire for the " old paths," and remembered and kept her " solemn feasts."
In the autumn of 1874, Bethel celebrated hers, and Wa- terford began to remember that the next year would complete the hundredth year of her settlement, and the inquiry went around, Shall we have a Centennial ?
During the winter of 1874-5, the town authorities, with leading citizens, issued a call, inviting the good people of the town to meet at the town-house and consider the subject. At that and subsequent meetings, there was a very general expression in favor, and a large general committee, repre- senting the different parts of the town, was chosen to take the matter in charge, consisting of Thomas Swan, A. J. Smith, Daniel Brown, Samuel Warren, Waldo T. Brown, John N. Baker, Luther Houghton, John B. Rand, Farnum Jewett, Samuel H. Warren, and George W. Plummer. These persons met and appointed from their number a com- mittee of three, for general business, viz., Samuel Warren, A. J. Smith, and John B. Rand.
315
WATERFORD CENTENNIAL.
The town, at its annual meeting in March, indorsed the cit- izens' meeting, and by vote made it its own, adding John C. Gerry and Josiah Monroe to the general committee. On mo- tion of Joseph Hale, the very liberal sum of five hundred dollars was voted by acclamation, to defray expenses.
Early in the spring, the following notice was published in the papers :
CENTENNIAL.
The citizens of Waterford propose to celebrate the one hun- dredth anniversary of the settlement of the town on the first day of September next. There will be an historical address, and other exercises appropriate to the occasion.
The town mother earnestly calls home all her sons and daughters, to a home-gathering and re-union ; and to all, who for any cause, are interested to participate in this memorial service, she extends a most cordial welcome.
A free public dinner will be served on the occasion, and no pains will be spared to make it one of profit and interest to all her guests.
Most respectfully, in behalf of the committee,
SAMUEL WARREN.
WATERFORD, April, 1875.
As the summer advanced, there were numerous meetings of the committee and citizens. To prepare and provide for so large a gathering, as might be expected, was no small labor. Plans were proposed and considered, and the work of prep- aration given into the hands of sub-committees. Special invitations were sent out. The Bridgton Brass Band was hired. As the time drew near, the passers by the way, and
316
WATERFORD CENTENNIAL.
the " stranger within our gates," saw a busy scene, and that old Waterford was intensely in earnest.
The work was now well in hand, the details of which would not be interesting to the reader. The committee would here express their grateful sense of obligation to all who kindly assisted. Where so many did well, it may seem invidious to particularize. Our thanks are especially due Mrs. Laura Kimball, for a liberal gift in money, and to Mr. Charles Young, who generously furnished the canvas and cordage for the pavilion. Thanks are also due to those who kindly lent from their houses to furnish the tables, and particularly to the merchants who held their supplies in abeyance.
THE CENTENNIAL.
For several days preceding, busy heads and hands had been hard at work in anxious preparation.
The first day of September dawned beautifully clear, and the young autumn sun, breaking over the eastern horizon upon a cloudless sky, gave promise of a glorious day. His beams first tipped with gold the peaks of Tire-'em, then fal- ling upon the quiet bosom of the lakelet at his base, they were reflected in one broad sheen of beauty, and still onward they pursued the retreating shadows from valley to valley, till hill and mountain and the whole face of nature, were lit up with one broad smile of gladness. In the song and cheer of that beautiful morning anxious hearts rejoiced. Upon the tri- angular common, beneath the shades of the graceful elms, an immense pavilion had been erected, and in the rear angle toward the church, upon a dais-like area, were ample accom- modations for the speakers and numerous honorary guests ; for the choir, the reporters and the band. Here the ladies had displayed their skill in artistic ornamentation. Appro-
317
WATERFORD CENTENNIAL.
priate mottoes, tastefully arranged with festoons of flowers, and wreaths of evergreen, pictures, relics, etc .; and here, as elsewhere, was displayed the national ensign with its proudly waving banners. Upon the grounds of A. S. Kimball, Esq., and Joseph Hale, long rows of tables had been erected, suf- ficient to seat some eighteen hundred people; and as the eye ran along their extended lines, with their comfortable awnings, set off with such drapery as was suggested by the taste of those in charge of the different divisions ; and later in the morning, as hospitable hands of matrons and maidens were seen loading them down with appetizing viands, no further suggestion was needed of large festive possibilities.
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