USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Sheepscot > The history of ancient Sheepscot and Newcastle [Me.] including early Pemaquid, Damariscotta, and other contiguous places, from the earliest discovery to the present time, together with the genealogy of more than four hundred families; > Part 16
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Newcastle > The history of ancient Sheepscot and Newcastle [Me.] including early Pemaquid, Damariscotta, and other contiguous places, from the earliest discovery to the present time, together with the genealogy of more than four hundred families; > Part 16
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A committee was raised to lay out a road from David Given's to the bridge, at Mill Brook.
It was voted, that a Petition be sent to the General Court signed by the Town Clerk, in behalf of the town, praying that if the town of Pownalboro is divided, the Eastern side may be made a Shire town. Major Noble was requested to prepare the Petition. They also voted to request the Legislature, to make an abatement in the Province Tax, . as the "adjacent places" which had been assessed with them, in former years, were incorporated into towns.
James Cargill was ordered to pay Edward Nore, " the ten shillings," that he received of Thomas Rice, Esq., for a breach of the Sabbath.
At the meeting held May 18, a committee of thiee was raised to lay out a road from Henry Little's to Job Day's. Henry Little lived where William Dodge now does, and Job Day's residence was at the foot of the hill near Edg- comb line-now Edgecomb.
Another committee was raised to lay out a road, from the county road upward on the West side of Damariscotta Pond to the Northeast corner of the town.
The committee who were appointed in April to lay out a road from Henry Little's to Job Day's, for some reason,
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failed to accomplish their object ; therefore, in October 27, another committee was empowered to lay out a road from Henry Little, to the Southern bounds of the town.
1767. A tariff of prices was established for highway work : Three shillings allowed, for a man a day ; one shil- ling six pence a yoke of oxen ; and nine pence for a cart. Each man must find himself and his oxen and his day's work must commence at seven in the morning and end at six at night. If one hour was allowed for dinner, then they established the "ten hour" system.
Other prices are as follows : six and one-half pounds of butter, £1, 17s. ; one pair of shoes, €3 ; one day's work, £1; one quire paper, 10s; three bushels corn at 25s. per bushel, €3, 15s. ; one pair of leather breeches, €2, 5s ; one thousand feet boards, £1.
Alexander Campbell, David Given and Elisha Clarke, appointed a committee to lay out a road from said Camp- bell's to Damariscotta Pond. This road was accepted March 15, 1768.
A pound was ordered to be built, as highway work, at Sheepscot, on the spot where the old one stands. Alex- ander Campbell, Kenel Winslow and Joseph Jones were appointed a committee to select a place for a pound, on the Eastern side of the town, and it was ordered that it should be built as "highway work." But it was not done this year, for at the next March meeting, they directed to build a pound on the eastern side of the town, at the most con- venient place to accommodate the people and " handy to water."
Smile not, oh reader, neither complain, that we have taken so much notice of the pounds erected by our fathers. They were indispensable to them, as they are to every farming community. A town, properly governed, would just as soon think of doing without a pound, as they would without a Town Meeting. A pound is an important edifice, plain, homely and cheaply built ; but strong, high
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and well secured by gates, loeks and bars. It is the prison house for the recreant ox or sheep, or ass, not, that they are so much to blame, when they stray beyond their own enclosure, and find themselves in the hands of the town sheriff, alias field driver, and are forced to lie down within straightened walls, and feed only upon what forage the keeper is disposed to give them ; but the fault is charge- able to the owner who either has neglected his fences, or else has kept a breachy horse er steer. And when he is notified of the imprisonment of the wandering one, he may feel for his purse and step up to the "Captain's office and settle." The keeper will receive the fine, and let him and his company go on their way.
Henceforth, whatever Newcastle or her sister towns may have done in subsequent years with regard to pounds, we shall notice them no farther ; but shall take our leave of them, as we already have with regard to Indians, rams, stallions and wolves.
1768. This year was distinguished for the convention of towns held in Boston the 22d of September. It was called in view of the growing difficulties between the Provinces and the mother country. British troops were quartered upon the Colonies, and the people were called upon to support them. They were taxed, but had no representa- tion in the British Parliament. It was the height of oppression ; the people, just emerged from the domination of one power, after having suffered incredible hardships, cruelties and losses, were not willing to submit tamely to another. Therefore the Selectmen of Boston called a con- vention of the towns of the Province, one hundred of which answered to the call ; and they came together, as dignified, sensible, patriotic and high-minded a body of men as ever assembled on the shores of New England. Their delibera- tions it is said, were worthy of the brightest days of Greece and Rome. William Nickels had the honor to be chosen delegate from Newcastle, and he was the first delegate the
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town ever sent to any foreign body. His expenses were paid by the power that sent him. It was the first in the series of the Conventions and Congresses that guided these Ameri- can Provinces from the vassalage of a foreign yoke, to independence, wealth and renown.
1768. Bryan Ryan, a foot pedlar of Bristol, having with him one silk handkerchief valued at 6s. ; one ring 6s. ; two books &d ; one piece of ribbon 4s. ; one cap, 1s., 4d ; one knife, 1s. 2d : one pair spectacles Is. ; one pair buttons, fd; one pair stockings 4s : one breeches pattern 12s. : total value £1, 16s. 6d; went to Hngh Homes from the house of John Cunningham, and there exposed for sale and did sell to Hugh Homes, one knife valued at 1s. 2d ; one cap, 1s. 4d ; against the law of the Province. Ryan pleaded not guilty. The jury acquitted him.
On the 11th of March, John Cunningham made out the following account against Benjamin Woodbridge, and for which he received pay in full by an order on the town treasurer : Sundries €2, 15s; cord wood, €1, 10s; two dinners, 12s ; "Liker," 5s: whole amount, £5. 2s. Ed- mund Lieson sold a pair of leather breeches to Benjamin Woodbridge for 36s. lawful money. Dr. Kenelm Winslow charges the town with two visits to Phebe Chick in her illness, 48 ; one bottle of drops, 3s. 4d ; one portion physic 8d=8s. Mr. Bowers charges the town for the board of Mr. Dunbar, eighteen days, while at work on the meeting house, at 55s. old tenor, per week, $7, 1s. 53 d; drawing up petition praying that the Court might be removed, 3s ; do. that the town might be "eased" of paying Province rates, 2s ; do. that the Plymouth Company petition might not be granted, 3s ; do. four papers of indentures for bind- ing children, 6s.
Here is a prescription for a sick person ; and if any one can at this day be benefited by it, they shall be welcome to this insertion. " An ounce of the syrup of Marsh Mal- lows, and half an ounce of the oil of Sweet Almonds, (fresh
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drawn) mix them, and take half an ounce at any time when bad. Let them be well mixt by shaking ym well together, just before you take. Let it be taken warm."
1769. Joseph Jones, Elisha Clark and Richard Bowers were chosen a committee March 14, to lay out a road round Vaughan's pond, to Josiah Clarke's; and from thence to the North bounds of the town. The previous effort for this object had failed. Benj. Woodbridge, Alex. Campbell and David Hopkins were appointed a committee to lay out a road from Sheepscot river, near Henry Hodge's or Mr. Hoghern's, Easterly to Crombie's Reach, against where the town road is already laid out. Nathaniel Bry- ant, Samuel Nickels and James Little authorized to lay out a road, from the town road where they shall think proper, to join a road proposed by the Quarter Sessions, through a place called Freetown, towards Boothbay. April 3. Chose Jacob Greely, Samuel Waters and Benj. Wood- bridge a committee, to lay out a road from the town road on Dyer's Neck, to join the town road on the Eastern side of Dyer's river - Woodbridge neighborhood.
1770, March 14. Previous efforts having failed, a com- mittee was appointed at this meeting to lay out a road, from the county road near Damariscotta Mills round Vaughan's Pond and up the Western side of it to the North town line.
The Selectmen were appointed a Committee to lay out a road from Robert Cochran's house to the South side of Peter Patterson's flekdl, in the Southwest part of the town. This road was accepted, March 14, 1776. Samuel Ken- nedy was allowed the privilege of putting up a gate or bars at that part of the town road that leads by his barn to James Cargill's.
May 22. Voted to petition the Court of Sessions, to allow no license to be granted to either Innholder or Retailer, without the approbation of the Selectmen. The request was granted.
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1771, Sept. 20. Raised a committee of three to lay out a road from the county road up the West side of Vanghan's Pond to the North town line. A similar vote was passed at the next March meeting in 1772. This proved snecess- ful. Several years had elapsed since the first effort was made; and it was not accepted till March 14, 1776. It was a great publie convenience.
1773, March 11. John Plummer, Mark Parsons, and Samuel Waters chosen a committee to lay out a public landing place, at the Head of the Tide ; and a road lead- ing from it to the town road, where most convenient. Accepted Sept. 9, 1773.
Oct. 10. Samuel Hilton, Samuel Waters and John Plummer appointed a committee to alter the road on Dyer's Neck ; and also to extend this road to the North line of the town. These doings were accepted Sept. 15, 1774.
1774, March 14. A committee was appointed to alter the road around the Ledge of Rocks. Their report was accepted March 14, 1776. September 22, a committee was raised to lay out a road, from the town road near Benjamin Glidden's, to the North town line, to accommo- date the people of Ballstown. Accepted March 14, 1776.
Jacob Greely, David Murray and James Cargill were chosen a committee to assess damages for the public landing place and road that were laid out the last year at the Head of the Tide. And liberty was also granted the inhabitants residing there, to build a bridge at said land- ing place, across the Sheepscot river, at their own expense. The amount of land for the landing place was one acre.
This was the occasion for drawing up the following instrument :
" Newcasel July y" 8, 1774."
" Wee whose names are hereto subscribed Do promise and Ingage our Selves to work on building a Bridge over Sheepscot River at The grate Rock by ye turn of ye River, by Benjamin Stickney's Lot, whear Sheepscot Committey
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hath Laid ought a Town Road To said River and do hear- by promise to work on sd Bridge the number of Days as shall be annext to our names or Pay to the Doer of the work three shillings and fourpence Lawful money for Each Day that we annext to our names omit working on said Sd Bridge when Sd Bridge is finished as witness our hands. N B. That each person sining shall be duly notified." "John PImmer fore days ; Jeremiah Bean two days; Sam- nel Waters three days; Benj. Glidd 2 days, Jacob Greely, 2 Days four oxen ; Amos Tennson 3 Days ; Eben'r Philbridge 1 Day ; James Sheppard 2 Days ; Jonathan Noyes 1 Day ; Samuel Hilton 3 days ; Benj. Woodbridge, Jr 2 Days ; archibald mealister 1 Day ; Samuel Anderson 1 Day.'
This effort appears to have been unsuccessful, or if a bridge was built there at that time, it could not have been a very substantial structure ; for in 1791, 14th of April, an article was inserted in the town warrant, to see what sum of money the town will raise to purchase materials for build- ing the bridge at the Head of Tide. And in the subsequent meeting in May, the town voted that the selectmen be a committee to proeure such materials as are necessary for building one-half of the bridge over Sheepscot river, at the Head of the Tide. The inference is, that the effort was a combined one, between individuals, and the town.
This year the office of Warden is revived, and Ebenezer Clark, John Catland, James Cargill and Samuel Hilton, were appointed.
James Greely and David Murray were appointed " fish keepers," to see that the fish have free and easy passage up Sheepscot and Dyer's river, from the first day of May to the first day of June, and they were impowered to prose- cute, in every case where there should be a violation of the law in these respects.
This year Edgcomb was incorporated as a town. The place was originally settled by Samuel Trask and others, in 1744. Under a possessory claim, they and subsequent settlers, lived undisturbed upon their lands ten years, when
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three men arriving from Boston, challenged their titles, in virtue of an Indian deed, and surveyed lots upon the Sheepseot river which they numbered and marked. But. the deed of the Sagamores contained no definite bounds ; no actual possession had ever been taken under it, and the settlers were not disposed to surrender. Made acquainted with these facts, and actuated by a generous spirit, a lawyer in Boston undertook their cause without fee or reward. He gained his case, and the three claimants were obliged to abandon their pursuit. In recognition of the lawyer's generosity, the planters gave the name of Freetown to their plantation. It retained this name till its incorporation, 1774. The name Edgeomb was given to it, in honor of Lord Edgcomb, a distinguished friend of the Colonies. It formerly embraced all of Jeremisquam Island, except a small portion of the upper end of it which has belonged to the town of Wiscasset. The next year. after its incorporation, it was represented in the Provincial Congress by Moses Davis, Esq.
The people now became restless under British rule. The appointees of the Crown are domineering and overbearing : and it is evident there is a spirit rising, that anon will show itself in actions which will astonish the world and shake the British throne. The people meet in their prima- ry assemblies, discuss the matters of state and look thoughtfully upon the signs of the times. In the multitude of councillors, there is safety. A Provincial Congress is resolved on. The people send up delegates to it. They meet at Salem, Oet. 7th, 1774, to the number of 208, and they resolve themselves into a Provincial Congress, by electing John Hancock, President, and Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary. They then adjourn to Concord. There, they appoint a committee of safety and a committee of supplies. With one is vested the power to put in military array, any portion of the militia, if necessary, for the common defence, and the other to secure all the public stores which General Gage had
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not seized. At the November session, a fourth part of the militia was put in requisition, and were to draw pay from the time they left their homes. This Congress had three sessions and was dissolved December 10th, after having elected five delegates to a new Continental Congress.
1775. A second Provincial Congress was convened Feb- ruary 1, between which time and its dissolution, May 29th, it had four sessions. The people are awake, the tide of patriotism arises and mighty events hurry along. This Congress, distinguished for its zeal, intelligence and lofty principles, consisted of two hundred and fifteen members. There were seventeen from Maine, among whom were James Sullivan, Ichabod Goodwin, Samuel Freeman Thomas Rice and Dummer Sewall.
The third Provincial Congress was convened at Water- town May 31, and consisted of 245 members. Dr. Joseph Warren was chosen President and thirteen of the ablest men were appointed a committee of safety. Twenty-six regiments were filled up, the proper officers appointed and commissioned, and every preparation made for resisting an attack. The period of three Provincial Congresses, was from October 7, 1774 to July 19, 1775-nine months and thirteen days. And the members in them from Lincoln County were, Samuel McCobb, Georgetown ; John Merrill, Samuel Fulton, Topsham: Samuel Harnden, Bowdoinham ; Joseph North, Gardinerstown ; Remington Hobby, Vas- salboro ; Ichabod Howe, Winthrop ; Timothy Langdon. Pownalboro'; Moses Davis, Edgeomb. The necessity for them had ended, and all eyes are now turned to the Con- tinental Congress which was then sitting at Philadelphia.
During this year there was great distress and scarcity among the people. Corn and grain in sufficient quanti- ties for home consumption, could not be raised. There were but few calls from abroad for wood and lumber and a messenger arriving at Falmouth from the Penobscot, declared that many families were without bread, and that
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numbers of children had actually died from starvation and vold. On the 27th of April, the town raised a committee of five to send to the Westward for corn. They appropri- ated €150 for this purpose, and for the purchase of one hundred pounds of powder. The town paid for the trans- portation of the articles, and instructed the committee to obtain them as soon as possible.
The Province tax for this year, was paid to Henry Gar- liner of Stow and his receipt taken. Voted that all notifications of Town Meetings be put up at the meeting house on the castern side, and also at Capt. Robt. Hodge's, Innholder. He lived where is the homestead of the late Capt. Thomas Lennox. They also direct that the landing place shall be prized, and a " good deed " taken for it, and put upon record.
July 11, voted to send Benjamin Woodbridge, Repre- sentative to the Provincial Congress at Watertown, whose session commenced the 19th inst., the town bearing his expenses.
May 30. A road is laid out from Crombie's Reach to Robert Cochran's. Accepted March 14, 1776.
Silvester Murphy is indebted to James Campbell, "to 2 mug's of toddy, 9s ; to rum at the Sculhous, 4s; to five weeks' board £17, 10s ; to 1 pair of stockins, €1, 15s ; €19, 18s, old tenor ; Credit By cash, £3; one day's work £1, 2s, 6d ; €4, 2, 6d. Errors Excepted."
When Captain John Holmes, a few years since, built a ship, he named her the Ontario, and abont the same time, Col. (Hidden named a ship he built, Henry Clay. Shipbuilders never neglect this mark. Farmers do the same thing. And it is just as necessary that they should mark their sheep and cattle, as it is, that ships should have their names. "Therefore, be it known, that Samuel Hilton's ear mark is the top of the ear cropped. Benjamin Glidden's ear mark is a crop off the right ear, a half penny under the same and the left ear split. Mark Parson's ear mark
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is a half penny under the left ear, and a nich between that and the creature's head. James Carr's ear maik is a crop off the left ear." So says the Record, by Sam Niekels, March 14, 1775.
On the 27th of August 1789, it is written, that Nath. Bryant's mark is a crop off the left ear, and the letters N. B. on the left horn. Robert Cochran's ear mark is the right . car split. Daniel Campbell's ear mark is a hole through the right ear, and his mark for cattle, is D. C. on the horn. Thus Sam Nickels recorded,
April 1, 1800.
May 17, 1800. There was "taken up by William Waters a stray mare of a dark bay color with a Black main and Tail, has a white strip in her face, and one white foot, a Natural trotter." The owner has only to call and prove property. A queer place this to advertise a stray Mare. But there were no newspapers, though there were Inns and Meeting houses.
CHAPTER XXIX.
DANGERS OF THE COUNTRY.
OUR fathers were surrounded with perils. Their history is laid in blood. They here met and conquered the foe. For about one century, they fought and bled and died. At this late day when we are surrounded with so many of the comforts of life and can lie down and sleep in our own dwellings and beds securely, and can enjoy the food which our own hands have acquired, without fear of the Indian torch and tomahawk, we can scarcely realize the sufferings
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of our fathers, or properly estimate the perils by which they were surrounded And when the Indian tomahawk was laid aside, and the war whoop had died away, and the Council fires had forever gone out, then came the war of the Revolution, by which, through seven long and tedious years, they were obliged to suffer intensely, and many of their children were found among the slain. They not only had foes without but within. Some of their own number favored the cause of King George, and gave him "aid and comfort" by furnishing his subjects with the means of car- rying on the war. The inhabitants of Newcastle, of Pow- malboro and other towns around, favored the Republican cause, and entered with spirit into the American cause- thus to avenge their country's blood and obtain their own freedom. The men of Newcastle joined the army, voted supplies, and shed their own blood in this patriotic cause ; still there were those among them, who could not resist the temptation of helping the enemy, if they thereby could help themselves.
The doings of the Provincial Congress at Concord, April 12, 1775, were
"Whereas the Preservation of our Country from Slavery depends under God, on an effectual Execution of the Con- tinental and Provincial Measures for that Purpose ;-
"Resolved-That there be now appointed for each County in this Colony, a Committee consisting of five Per- sons, any three of whom, to be a Quorum, whose Business it shall be, to receive from the Committees of Correspond- ence, in their respective Counties, a State of the Conduct of the Towns and Districts, with respect to their having executed the Continental and Provincial Plans as afore- said ; and it shall be the duties of said Committees to meet on the first Wednesdays of May, July, September, Novem- ber, Jannary and March, and prepare a Report of the same, to be laid before Congress at its then next Session, that
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any Negleet of such Towns and Districts in executing such Plans, may be speedily and effectually remedied."
The second Resolution relates to recommending to the "Committees of correspondence" to report, with diligence and care, to the County Committees.
The third Resolution recommends to all "Towns and Districts to choose such Committees and to aid them in every way possible that the enemies of the Country might be subdued.
Signed, JOHN HANCOCK, President. BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Secretary."
The Committee for this County were, James Howard, Esq., Messrs Wade, Samuel McCobb, Dummer Sewall and Timothy Langdon. The latter gentleman resided in Pownalboro'. On the 15th of May, 1775, he wrote to the Selectmen of Newcastle urging them to take immediate action in the matter. And on the 30th of May, the town had a meeting, when they voted to choose a committee of nine persons to inspect into all matters agreeable to the direction of the Congress. The com- mittee were, John Farley, James Cargill, JJames Little, David Hopkins, Benj. Woodbridge, Jun., Joseph Jones, Samuel Calley," Jacob Greely and Prince Barker.
They also voted that said Committee shall act as a Committee of Correspondence, and that a half barrel of powder shall be sent for.
June 13, 1775. Committee met at the house of Capt. Prince Barker, on the East side of the town. John Farley was chosen Moderator, and Benjamin Woodbridge, Jun., Clerk. Business of importance came before them. For it appears that Capt. John Hodge, in the sloop, "Three Brothers, with his two hands, Samuel Simpson and John Cunningham, had been taken into Boston and released again by the British. This was while they hell posses-
* Name spelt as in the Records.
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sion of that important town. The thing had a bad appearance. Had Hodge, in his sloop, been carrying sup- plies to the enemy? The Committee must know. Hodge and his two mon are examined ; but they found after examination that he had been "taken into Boston by"- here the Record abruptly closes. They however agreed to refer the matter to the next meeting which was appointed to be held on Tuesday, the 20th inst., at Capt. Robt. Hodge's. The proceedings of the meeting, were signed by the Chairman, Clerk, and other members of the Com- mittee.
June 20, the Committee met according to adjournment. every man of them ; for these were times for patriots to be awake. John Hodge appeared before them ; but things appeared no more favorable for him. Seven days had passed away since their first meeting ; due inquiries had been made ; and a strict examination had been entered into ; and the judgment was, that John Hodge had been willingly taken, carried into the port of Boston, and paid for his cargo in British gold. The sloop had not yet arrived, though the men had. The fear of seizure had kept her away. Wherupou it was
"Voted, That Capt. John Hodge have Orders to bring his sloop the "Three Brothers," into the Bounds of this Town again, and haul her up and strip her Immediately and make return to this Committee of his Doings. Said Sloop is to be hauled up at Mr. Benjn. Woodbridge's point, at a place Called the "Spring well Cove ;" and if said Hodge dont Comply with these Orders, that the Com- mittee Order the Commanding officers of the Militia to send a Company Immediately to haul up said Sloop and Strip her upon Said Hodge's Cost and Charge."
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