OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
EARLY GLEANINGS 
 
 AND 
 
 RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF CORINTH 
 
 MAINE, 
 
 FROM 1792 TO 1883. 
 
 MASON S. PALMER. 
 
 BANGOR : 
 
 PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COURIER JOB OFFICE.) 
 
 1883. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2008 with funding from 
 
 Microsoft Corporation 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/earlygleaningsraOOpalmrich 
 
EARLY GLEANINGS 
 
 AND 
 
 RANDOM RECOLLECTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF CORINTH 
 
 MAINE, 
 FROM 1792 TO 1883. 
 
 MASON S. PALMER. 
 
 BANGOR : 
 
 PRESS OF B. A. BURR, (WHIG AND COUttlER JOB OFFICE.) 
 
 1883. 
 
 / 
 
/ ^i 
 
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 FcZ9 
 
 Um eiEMIIGS 11 RMIli Moimim 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF CORINTH, MAINE. 
 
 In the early ages of mankind, the products of the earth were spon- 
 taneous; man had httle to do. but eat, drink, and be happy. If our 
 associations are reliable, the life of our race began in a climate producing 
 all tliat was needful for animal sustenance without man's care. Yet, in 
 that position, man never rose, — he lived in a barbarous state, browsing 
 in the primitive pastures of animal life. — Much like the animal he lived 
 and slept; and sleeping, sometimes dreaming; ''but he awaketh, and 
 his soul is empty; he is faint, and his soul hath appetite." 
 
 Then began the original purposes of man's nature ; then commenced 
 the stir of Inuuan faculties. The breadth of his nature began to work; 
 — he feels the stir of impassioned endeavor;— he begins to think — to 
 philosophize — he sees grand fields of opportunity, and hears the command, 
 "till those acres,'' and soon perceives that by applying his own intelli- 
 gence Lo his work, he improves himself. Thus the earth became the 
 educator of her children. This wonderful earth was made for the accom- 
 modation of our race, not only for man's outward growth, exhibition, 
 exposure, out-of-door contact, but the interior life, looking eternity- 
 wise. 
 
 Every child born into the world is fed spontaneously at first. But 
 this is not to be through life; growing ciiildren soon arrive at manhood, 
 and are commanded to toil and earn a living. The ages move on, and 
 a grand progressive work comes upon the stage of life. In our world's 
 schools there are no vacations, her doors are never closed, and her 
 scliools are being kept forever, each generation only steps up to a 
 higher class. 
 
 In this world's school our early settlers first learned their lessons — 
 and learned them well, enabling them to go out into the broad, active 
 world, with an outfit of powers furnished by their Maker, and soon be- 
 came enthusiastic workers — with manlj^ courage our fathers sought the 
 forest, flinging wide open their doors, that health might enter at morn, 
 meridian, evening and midnight, giving her such welcome that she for- 
 got the home of city life, and became the sojourner of the wilds of our 
 forests. Here all were lovers and worshipers; and that they might 
 love all things wisely, they gave to all things the pure, deep joy of their 
 intercommunion with nature. 
 
 In our Kandom Recollections, we go back to the earlj'- and fresh days 
 of young life, the springtide of our Township's joyous existence — as we 
 saw it in its struggling infancy, so with memory's eye we see it to-day, 
 joyous and happy. It is not through the dim and dull eyes of feeble 
 
 iViIsS 
 
 5499 
 
,ao:e we are to look at events in the past, but with clear vision examine 
 all matters, as life itself, at life's earliest remembered periods, and thns 
 we enjoy today, the snnshine of all past yesterdays— our brief liistory 
 will thus be elondless. — if storms must come, let them be hereafter. 
 
 The glorious sun is hailed with the greatest raptnreat his rising. Yet 
 the jaundiced eye of a diseased soul, after long gazing npon the splen- 
 dors of our world, dulls in its vision, and the heart exclaims. **A11 is 
 vanity and vexation of spirit." 
 
 The town of Corinth is sitnated in the County of Penobscot. State of 
 Maine, in latitnde foi'ty-tive degrees (45°) north ; longitude, seven de- 
 grees, fifty-eight niinutes (7° 58') east from Washington, or sixty-nine 
 degrees two minutes (69° 2') west from Greenwich; and is seventeen 
 and one fourth (17i) miles in a North West direction from the County 
 Court House in Bangor in a direct line to the center of the town of 
 Corinth, ai.d eighteen and one half (18i) miles by the traveled road to 
 the Town Hall; and is sixty-five (65) miles in a direct line North East 
 from the State House in Angnsta. 
 
 The tovvri is six miles square, containing 23.040 acres, and is bonnded 
 on the North by Charleston, East by Hndson. West by Exeter, South by 
 TiCvant; and is the 186th town within the District of Maine, and was 
 located as a township by a survey of its exterior lines in the year 1792. 
 and known as township No 2, in the fourth range of townships north of 
 the Waldo Patent, and one of tht; 21 townships surveyed by Ephraim 
 Ballard and Samuel Weston, under the direction of the "Committee tor 
 the sale of the Eastern Lands " 
 
 Said township was purchased by Messrs. Weston and Peck, and by 
 them conveyed to Benjamin Joy and others. The town is watered by 
 the Kenduskeag Stream, which runs in a South Easterly direction nearly 
 through the center of the town, receiving the waters of the Crooked 
 Brook and *PieiTe Paul Brook, while Bear Bi-ook, situated in the North 
 Easterly part of the town, gives its waters to little Pushaw Pond. 
 
 For many years the early settlers obtained from Kenduskeag Stream, 
 salmon of good size, at a distance of 17 miles from the watei s of the 
 Penobscot Kiver. 
 
 'J'he surface of the town is level, and was densely covered with a 
 growth of trees in which the maple, birch, beech, ash, bass, hemlock, 
 spruce and cedar, seemingly strove for prominency ; yet th<i bird's-eye 
 maple must have seen, — if it saw at all — that the attempt would be 
 futile to vie with the majestic pines, scattered over the entire township. 
 
 The solenni grandeur of the township's native growth of hardy trees, 
 tall and thickly i)lanted, demanded the admiration of the explorer, as he 
 traversed grounds free from fallen trees, — grounds where the foot of 
 civilized man had never trod, where no effort at improvement had marred 
 the forests' primeval beauty, save that of the industrious beaver, by 
 danuning running waters, and adding broad acres to liis original home- 
 stead. 
 
 Such was township No 2 in 1792, when Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. 
 Daniel Budge, while on an exploring excursion, were so well pleased 
 with it, that they decided at once to abandon the idea of removing to 
 the State of Ohio, and immediately made arrangements for settling upon 
 lands by them recently discovered, naming them '"New Ohio." 
 
 Mr. Abner Tibbetts and Mr. Daniel Bud^e were men of large capaci- 
 ties and indomitable will, and were strivmg to find the gateway of 
 
 *Pierre Paul was the name of an Indian living upon the banks of the brook. 
 
opportunity for greatness and usefulness; and that such were many of 
 their associates, their works prove them. 
 
 The forests of Maine were being explored, and several townships near 
 the waters of Penobscot were already surveyed. Provisioned for a 
 week's cruise, they followed the spotted lines of the surveyor as far as 
 his lines extended, and tinding themselves in wood-land heretofore un- 
 seen by the eye of civilized man. here they pitched their tent upon 
 grounds they determined should become their future home; here they 
 dedicated the forest; here offered oblations, and sang "New Ohio." 
 
 Tlie children of Israel were led through the wilderness by the blaze 
 of the pillar of light, and our fathers wei-e led to our township b}'^ 
 blazed trees. Soon after a few acres of tlie forest trees were felled 
 upon lot No. 10. in the tii-st Eange. upon grounds where now stands the 
 buildings of Mr. Lucas. Before these grounds were cleared, or any 
 buildings erected. Mr. Daniel Skinner, formerly from Mansfield Mass., 
 but more recentlj'^ from Brewer (Me.) withthiee sons and three daugh- 
 ters, all at ages of nuiturity. made an opening about two miles in a 
 northerly direction from the Ohio Settlement, and nearer the center of 
 the township, and as the members of the Skinner family married early, 
 and settled in their father's neighborhood, a numerous, industrious and 
 intelligent progeny soon filled the territorial neighboihood with loving 
 souls, through whose veins ran quietly the Skinner love of domestic 
 life ; and so numerous were they, that the neighborhood was very prop- 
 erly called the ''Skinner Settlement." Mr. Jacob Wheeler, from Peters- 
 ham. Mass., and Mr. Kichard Palmer, from Parsonstield, Me., each mar- 
 ried, for their first wives, daughters of Mr. Daniel Skinner. 
 
 For A^ariety. which is the spice of life, Mr. Isaac Hodsdon and Mr, 
 Nathan Hodsdon. with their families from Berwick (Me.) domiciled 
 within the quiet precincts of the Puritan family. 
 
 Hei-e was the lirst house erected, and here commenced domestic life — 
 here the wanderer among the townships found a home, and the adven- 
 turer was cared for. 
 
 When Messrs. Tibbetts and Budge i-eturned to clear the grounds where 
 lay the trees of their falling, others came with them, and linding true 
 all they had heard of the promised land, entered quickly into the work 
 of cultivating these lands, and hope lent them energy and impulse to 
 make homes m this quiet and peaceful solitude. 
 
 Among the new comers was Mr. William Tibbetts, Mark Trafton, 
 Joshua C. Thompson, John Goodhue. William Hammond, Eoyal Clark, 
 Peletiah Simpson, Dr. William Peabody, Lemuel Tozier. and others. 
 
 A young wife, writing her friends after her arrival with her husband 
 at New Ohio, thus gave expression to her feelings. "I am the Bride of 
 the Wilderness, and at her altars humbly bow. while enjoying the pres- 
 ence of surroundings which give warmth to feelings and promptings to 
 religious expressions. This wilderness is a temple of continuous wor- 
 ship—a dwelling too wide for walls, too high for dome. On every side 
 I am admonished to join Nature's worship; the rough unhewn walls of 
 my cabin, prompts the singing of Soloman's first song, Ch. 1, v. 7— 'The 
 beams of our house are cedar, and our raftei-s are fir.' To those who 
 would sing the song of gladness in Nature's Temple, the spirit and the 
 Bride say. come !" 
 
 Much that transpired in those early days, comes down to us through 
 those early social gatherings, where life's incidents were fully discussed 
 and by hearers treasured in memory's store-house, for the pen of the 
 coming historian, and be this pen truthful in its records. 
 
6 
 
 In 1704. Mr. Josiiih Sim})son, Robert Simpson, Robert Campbell, 
 Simon Prescott. Jonathnn Snow. Rufiis Inman, and others, passing 
 throu<>-li the "Skinner Settlement" and proceeding in a north westerly 
 direction some two miles, and near the line of said township, entered 
 npon lands inviting both the lumberman and the agricdlturist, and here 
 planted a neighborhood, which, nntii the year of 1818. was known as the 
 Simpson Settlement, after whicii time, in conseqnence of a change of 
 ownership, the place has been known as the ''Eddy Settlement." 
 
 On the easterly side of the Kendnskeag Stream, lay an elevation of 
 gronnds peculiarly adapted for planting an Eden neighborhood, on which 
 Deacon John Hunting. Eben Hunting. Joshua Herrick, Reuben Ball, 
 Isaac Ball. Benjamin Dyer, Samuel Gould, Josiah Gregoiy, David A. 
 Gove, Andrew Strong, and others commenced operations in 1808; and 
 soon a correct taste, judicious management, and untiring industry, gave 
 remarkable evidences of the future growth and beauty of the coming 
 neighborhood. 
 
 The far reaching vision of Deacon Hunting and his associates saw that 
 the joint and individual eflort of their little colony would convert the 
 woodlands on the easterly side of the Kendnskeag into fields of grow- 
 ing grain, and soon teach the apparently useless waters of stream and 
 brooks, to turn the wheels of industry for man's special benefit. Much 
 that was at tirst seen by the prophetic eye, was soon realized, and as the 
 worthy deacon was entering in every needed effort to hasten the growth 
 of his neighborhood, it was called the Hunting settlement, but now 
 East Corinth, 
 
 Thus from 1792 to 1811, these neighborhoods were constantly receiv- 
 ing additions to their respective localities, and seemed to feel, by a 
 m^^stic free masonry, that they were inseparable. The 19 years occu- 
 pied as a township, were years of quiet. Litigation was unknown; 
 scandal and falsehood on no human lip ; man was at all times con- 
 tiding and accommodating. The scarcity of implements of husbandry 
 prompted invention, and the mechanic's eye readily saw in the trees 
 surrounding him, the wanting material from which was readily 
 made the rough article wanted for immediate use. The straight ash for 
 beam, the sapling with appropriate bends for handles, and the beech 
 of serpentine twist for mouldboard in the hands of Mr. Abner Tibbetts, 
 soon became the wood work, waiting onl^-^ to be ironed by Mr. John 
 Goodhue to become the Pioneer plow. Whilst the young maple, early 
 bent by malaria's chronic rheumatism, was forced into the ungraceful 
 shape of scythe snath, a form necessary for earl}^ mowing, giving evi- 
 dence of a co-partnership between nature and the farmer. 
 
 Mr. Joshua C. Thompson framed and finished buildings of all descrip- 
 tions, while Mr. Mason Skinner, from trees straight in grain, standing 
 within sight of his shop, mamifactured tubs, boxes, kegs, chairs, and 
 almost every wooden article required for use. 
 
 Mr. Rufuslnman,a master workman in wood, iron and steel, manufac- 
 tured spinning wheels of every description, made surgical instruments, 
 and with wonderful skill used them,— extracted teeth for six and one- 
 fourth cents singly, and ten cents for two at one sitting; would let 
 blood when necessary, with a lance of his own making, with edge as 
 sharp as his own wit. With Mr. Inman there was no storm; clouds 
 lifted at his presence; he carried sunshine with him, and while his 
 jieighbor Snow, with heart as cold as the name he bore, sighed over 
 "fallen man," and wept over the world's condition, and the depravity of 
 the human heart, the merry sounds of the Inman voice was heard, de- 
 
daring that in tlie liunian soul was vested individual powers to make tlie 
 coming man all God designed him to be. '-a little lower than the angels." 
 and all that was wanting was patient finishing, everv material for which 
 was in man (Inman.) 
 
 In those early days, the Sabbath was religiously observed, and dwell- 
 ing houses were opened for worship. For many years, by invitation of 
 the owner, the house of Mr. Jacob Wheeler was. deemed a home for 
 prayer and praise. But on a certain time a large congregation met in a 
 newly finished stable, and fitting praise was offered the "Babe of the 
 manger," This meeting was on a pleasant day of June, children from 
 every part of the township were in attendance. occup3'ing seats pre- 
 pared for them, as this was designed for childhood worship. The 
 speaker was young; his subject. '"The Life of the Saviour." his text. 
 '•Follow me." The preacher's heart lay open, -nd his spontaneous 
 thoughts were in sjnnpathy with all that pertained to childhood. Of the 
 Saviour's manger-birth, his infancy, childhood, manhood, and tragical 
 death; of these he spoke in solemn tone of voice, but in his face there 
 was the christian's cheerful look, while with an eloquence particularly 
 his own, he threw back the blinds which darken the windows of child- 
 hood, and fastened fair images on the brain, never dimmed by touch of 
 time. Raphael and Phideas excelled in their respective vocations, but 
 painters nor sculptors make themselves innnortal; but he who happily 
 makes good impressions upon the human mind and character, and lays 
 foundations for the inward growth of the human soul, lives forever. Then 
 live our fathers evermore. 
 
 No painter ever wrought upon canvas a form more clearly resembling- 
 its original in all proportions — more accurate in look and bearing than 
 did our young clergyman the entire personification of the Saviour. And 
 as children listened, the fashion of face was changed, and seemingly, fire 
 from heaven came down and was kindled in an alabaster vase; — it was 
 no outward illumination; the lamp was inside, an orb of glory shooting 
 up kindling rays, filling the atmosphere with dawn and day-break and 
 became a sun-rise, while the intimate connection between body and 
 spirit translated the mystic meanings declaring "we will follow thee." 
 And so forcibly and graphically was the doctrine of the text impressed, 
 that when the working-day came, and a clnld was told by its father, that 
 he was not old enough to follow him (the father) over rough grounds to 
 the "clearing," the boy cheerfully replied, "Well, father, if 1 am not 
 old enough to follow you over rough places, am I not old enough to fol- 
 low the Saviour?" 
 
 To the praise of the first settlers be it published, that especial care 
 was taken to properly instruct the young — in this parents never tired. 
 The fireside and the closet were institutions of learning, where were 
 taught the theology of pure thought, goodness, truth, justice, love. 
 Both children and parents alike learned to read, and were enabled by 
 careful reading to become self-instructors. What they studied was prac- 
 tical, efficient and good, and by reading, readily obtained the common 
 use of words, and thouglif no ''Webster" was before them, they soon 
 learned that their own thoughts were 'unabridged." 
 
 Schools were early formed in the township, but of the precise period, 
 the month, and day of the month, we are unable to give, but this we 
 know, "/i was in the beginning .'''' Historians of the present time, while 
 striving to give the day and hour of each event, lose sight of imporrant 
 facts, incidents and events as essential to history as fiesh, blood, sinew 
 and brain are to the frame-work of the human body. In the early period 
 
of creation, when tlie great liistorian wrote the first books of tlie Old 
 Testament, the Maker of heaven and eartli was pleased that liis historian 
 Moses, should say. '"In the, beginning God created the heavens and the 
 earth."' To the Deity this was sufficiently specific as to time, and men 
 of faith and brain, then and to-day, read, believed and ar > satisfied; but, 
 with sorrow be it spoken, scientists, with pocket hammers are smitin<^ 
 rocks or prominent sione, that with chips or sphnters, thej'- may build 
 arguments to invalidate the wisdom of God and his approved records. 
 Many persons love to doubt, to waver, to suspect ! An early skeptical 
 acquaintance of ours was of this class — was full of uncertaint}^ a ca viler 
 — drove slumbers from his couch in thinking that we cannot tell when 
 sleep begins, when childhood ends, and manhood assumes its place. 
 Our friend believed he had been ''horn again,^^ but was greatly troubled 
 that he could not name the day of his second birth, and he marvelled 
 much that this new created world of ours — man's homestead — was a 
 dateless conveyance. But the Maker of our world had foretliought 
 not to be implicated in a jar, break or omission needing amendment. 
 
 Those devoid of confidence in God, who have no Godly fear, are those 
 who understand not the perfections and purposes of His works. Our 
 first settlers "searched the Scriptures." and learned that there are secrets 
 in God for us; that His internal being is populous with whispers not yet 
 spoken, and revelations not yet fully revealed, and that He has confi- 
 dence enough in those who fear Him to trust such with His secrets. 
 Psalms, 25 :14, '"The secret of the Lord was with them that fear Him." 
 
 If the date of our world's formation is a secret, the seciet is with Him 
 who made it, and if there be those who are striving for the secret, let 
 such fear the world's Maker. Thus reasoned our fatht^ns. hungering 
 never for the fabulous teachings of Miller, Huxley, and Darwin, but 
 content ever in the knowledge that our veiled world of stillness, made 
 'Hnthe beginning,"' is full of inaudible music with which the Deity, with 
 loving and confidential intercourse of m3'^stic power, sets our whole 
 nature to singing, touching some chord of shatteied harps that gave 
 melody in the first new song at our world's creation. Happy parents I 
 
 Schools were formed as early as 1806, perhaps sooner.' "and while 
 fathers were preparing grounds for early sowing, mothers, by living in 
 God's forests with open eyes became the architectress for the growth of 
 childhood's granulation in coming years. Thus our school's visiting 
 committee were generally mothers, self-elected ; they insisted upon 
 development in which lay the grand evolving problems of civilization. 
 Our committee were graduates of the forest, for they there saw in the 
 earth a little germ to which a beam of light found its way through 
 branches and whispering leaves, and woke up the primal germ ; it devel- 
 ops, unfolds, organizes a knot here, a branch there, and at the proper 
 time, husbands bend and smooth and cover them with mysterious polish, 
 preserving the gi-ain of the wood. This they saw and noticed, and this 
 they called development. 
 
 [Shades of our early departed mothers, revisit, we pray thee, the 
 scenes of early life, and teach now the beauties and excellence of school 
 supervisorship.] • 
 
 Among the first schools in this township, we name that taught by Miss 
 Eunice iisher of Canton, Mass. For want of juvenile school-books, this 
 ingenious teacher resorted to object teaching and oral instructions, and 
 the nest of the bird in the lower branches of the tree near the school- 
 room, taught the infant mind the beauty of bird-life, the connubial ten- 
 derness between St. Valentine's mated birds, the care of their little ones, 
 

 
 the »'\ idi'Mce tluit the niifledi^ed bird gained stren«i:th of wing by failun^ 
 and renewed effort, nntil, by its unaided wing-power, it reached the 
 iiigh<'st brancli of the tree-top— these thoughts being so clearly pressed 
 on the clean brain of the chihl. they were retained while meniory held 
 her throne. The first winter school was taught by Gen. Isaac HoVlsdon, 
 where scholars learned to enter the school-room with deferential bow. 
 and, unbidden, rose when i)arents or strangers entered or left the school 
 room, and at all times, in street or elsewhere, with uncovered head gave 
 civil salutation to all they met. This tlu y called the school of good 
 manners; the ol)serv;ince of these rules became the admiration of all 
 ])ersons of good breeding. Fiom the leaving of home tp their return, 
 scholars considere<l themselves under the care and discipline of the 
 teacher. In the school-room they were taught to be dignified in look 
 and pure of speech, tainting nothing with pencil of lewdness, or making 
 records that would paint shame in the human face. For the return of 
 these days prayers are offered. All lovers of good breeding hold the 
 name of Gen. Hodsdon in kind I'emendjrance foi- the much he did for the 
 benetit of scholars and the purity of the school-room. Parents who 
 were lax in goveinment, for the time-being thought him arbitrary, and 
 so it api)eared. but to-day thank him for his apparent severit3^ and wish 
 its reign had extended to the day in which they live. 
 
 About this time there came among the settleis, a Mr. Kimball, who 
 was an original genius — a man about 40 years of age, by occupation a 
 blacksmith. — who had obtained a large store of information, and pos- 
 sessed a i-emarkable faculty of diffusing knowledge to all who had '*an 
 ear to hear." He received newspapeis from the States, and as he had no 
 family of his own he visited all who gave a willing ear to events transpir- 
 ingaround them, being a complete encyclopedia of all matters of interest. 
 Saturday evcings he read aloud to tilled rooms of anxious listeners of 
 both sexes. Parents respected him and children loved him. Genial and 
 happy himself, he spread sunshine and happiness over tlie inhabited sec- 
 tions of the township. He sought children, and was with them in their 
 lessons and often their play. He taught them the love of nature, home, 
 and country, and as the Fourth of July was close upon them, it was pro- 
 posed that there be a child's celebration of that day. Boys trimmed a 
 sapling for a ''liberty pole," and little girls sewed together handker- 
 chiefs for a flag of our country. .Children becoming enthusiastic, par- 
 ents and others soon caught this inspiration, and on the Fourth the j^e- 
 lected ground contained nearly all the living souls within the township. 
 Mr. Asahel Skinner read the Declaration of Independence, Mr. Kimball 
 delivered the oiation, Mr. Simon Pi-escott sang the Ode on Science. The 
 toasts were read also by Mr. Kimball, w^hich were probably mostly from 
 the bakery of his own brain, and we regret to say that we are not in pos- 
 session of a copy, and must therefore give them from our own imperfect 
 memory as delivered, aided much, however, from the remembrance of 
 men of mature years. 
 
 Toasts : — 1st. Our Celebration Day — The best day our countrj^ ever 
 knew, excepting the Lord's Day. 
 
 2. Our Countrj^ — A goodly portion of the six days work, bearing the 
 impress of "Him who made all things, and saw them to be good." 
 
 3. Our Township — Our garden, where no serpent shall ever enter, or 
 man in his official acts remind one f Satan's crookedness. 
 
 4. Our First Parents — Adam^ finely molded from the dust of the 
 ground ; JEve^ an improvement, and made of bone dust. 
 
10 
 
 5. Slaverv.— The Slave, a liuiuan beiii^. darkened extel•llall3^ The 
 Slave Holder, a b<-ing siipi)()sed to be human, but dark of soul. . 
 
 6. Congressional Contentions.— Hens fluttering over the nest egg of 
 Slavery, that the yolk be separated from the white, and the shell remain 
 unbroken. 
 
 7. Choice Pictures,— Childhood's early morning, and manhood's even- 
 ing star. 
 
 8. Our Temple of VVorshii),— The groves, vvhi<;h were God's lirst 
 temple. 
 
 9. Our Orchestra,— Trees, ever making melody. 
 
 10. Our Choi-ister, — Our Pine Bassonest. 
 
 Among the early settlers were many endowed with large capacities, 
 who had sensibly felt the wai t of schools in early life, aiul resolved to do 
 all in their power to enable the yoinig, by early instrnciion. to become 
 more fulh' educated th.ui themselves, and being thus imbued v ith the 
 truth that now? is the planting hour, busied themselves as best they could 
 in depositing the acorn, tliat those coming in aftertin.e might tind the 
 oak. 
 
 The venerable Father Sawyer, "the pilgrim of an hundred years," 
 whose effo; ts had much to do in establisliing the Theological Seminary 
 in Bangor, while performing missionary laoors through the Penobscot 
 region, visited the newly made settlements, and in fitting words with 
 voice sweet to the ear of childhood, spake truths which overwhelmed 
 them with floods of happy thought, and the influence of that good man's 
 christian words live to-day. as they lived more than half a century ago. 
 while strengthening parent and child in the putting forth that stretch of 
 endeavor, which taxed muscle of mind, heart and hand — taxes now wil- 
 lingly paid. 
 
 Among the first settlers was a man of ndlitary bearing and of strong 
 military proclivities. He loved war and its appendages more than ail 
 things else. His faculties, energies and genius enlisted in the military ser- 
 vice, and warfare grew into the life and vigor of a passion. Though he 
 loved the shining stars of the firmament, yet he loved more the shooting 
 star\ and the open arms of the father of the prodigal son were arms pleas- 
 ing to the christian, yet the stacked arms of musketry on the tented 
 field had greater charms for our warrior. With keen relish he read the 
 histories of ancient wars, and when he read the scriptures he dwelt hap- 
 pily on those pages describing the rigor of contending armies, and be- 
 lieving the Deity was the God of battle, our warrior desired a long 
 sword, a nodding plume, and ample room /or a commandant on the battle 
 field. In military tactics he had become a proficient, having studied 
 Stuben as the scholar studies mathematics, and loved the work of this 
 author the more because Baron Stuben was once an oflicer under Fred- 
 erick the Great, and coming to this country, received an appointment in 
 the American army in 1777. These facts gave a charm to his study, and 
 an impetus to his ambition. In September. 1818, Major General Jedediah 
 Herrick, of Hampden, issued a division order, calling out the militia to 
 meet on the field north of Mr. John Hancock's house in Bangor, which 
 order, after designating many military manoeuvres, closes by stating, 
 ••the senior officer of the Brigade will assume the command, and add such 
 evolutions as he may deem expedient." At the time designated, the 
 militia, armed and equipped,»were in attendance; officers' plumes waved 
 as thistle blows on fields of nodding grain, while cannon and musketry 
 hy their own mouths declared they were present. Spectators were in- 
 numerable, whose eyes viewed, while His Excellency reviewed the mov- 
 ing military mass, keeping step to the beat of the drum. 
 
11 
 
 Thosf' (l.iys of i)Mrjule were happy (l;«ys. nnd the historian who writes 
 the military history of our time'*, will probably canonize each event, and 
 pass them down to future generations. 
 
 The Sabbath foUowino; the jubilee week of military parade was a day 
 pleasant and warm. At the usual hour the good citizens of Corinth 
 assembled for religious worship, and to listen to the gospel from a much 
 loved clergyman. The house was well filled, services had commenced, 
 and while the singers were singing a hymn in the tune of Old Hundred, 
 our militar}^ man. on his way home from nnister grounds, entered the 
 house in full uniform, and by close packing, room was made for him. 
 Singing endefl. the clergyman announc( d for his text a passage of 
 scripture found in Eccl. 9:18, '-Wisdom is better than weapons of war. 
 but one sinner destl•o^ eth much good." 'J he sermon was forcible and 
 interesting, showing first, of wisdom — its origin and tendencies; second, 
 the weapons of war; third, the one sinner destroyeth much good. The 
 discourse was able. No person could have listened to the speaker's forci- 
 ble words and not have fallen in love with wisdom, without detesting the 
 weapons of wai- and becoming fearfully afiaid of the siinier. 
 
 At the close of the discourse the speaker, as was the custom in those 
 days, gave liberty for rennirks ; whereupon, our military man was upon 
 his feet, and with a voice tnore militaiy tl an devotional, declared the 
 discourse unseriptural and false in many of its assumed essential points; 
 that the attack upon war was but a skirmish in words; his ''weapons of 
 war" were wooden flints snapped against a sparkless hammer. Our mil- 
 itary man. though greatly excited, gave evidence of much reading, as 
 well as the character of that reading— was ingenious, witty even; but 
 failed in this, as in some other points, the showing that he was compe- 
 tent to c<»ntrol armies, this evidence being apparent that he could not 
 even control himself. Every historical fact in the Old Testament in 
 which the Almighty is represented as leading in battles, were quoted as 
 evidence that war and slaughter is as much the design and pleasure of 
 the Deit}- as Christianity, and that such warriors as Alexenderthe Great, 
 and Napolean Bonaparte were endowed with greater abilities than the 
 Apostles, and that for intelligence and manly bearing, the generals in 
 om* army are men far surpassing the preachers of the gospel in our pul- 
 pits at tile present day. After which, our warrior resumed his seat, 
 waiting reply. The man of God (worthy that name), calmly surveying 
 his audience with an eye beaming with peace and christian tenderness, 
 lifting his hands and looking heavenward, said, '"Let us pray." The au- 
 dience, (save those who with the preacher knelt,) stood during prayer, 
 but our warrior retained his sitting. The clergyman's prayer was the 
 breathings of the soul in sympathetic intercourse with its Maker, and his 
 words were utterances of faith and trust for the ear of a listening Father, 
 joyous in the belief that He is the Prince of peace, and humbly asking 
 that war cease upon the earth, and pence have its home among the chil- 
 dren of men the wide world over, which prayer received a hearty amen 
 from the audience, which, could a listening world(not in military attire) 
 have heard, universal peace would have been proclaimed. The tirst per- 
 son leaving the house was our warrior, who, quickly throwing himself 
 into his saddle, left for his residence, making no reply. But in after time 
 the warrior, having dwelt much upon the matter, became thoughtful 
 and said he found much in the clergyman to admire : in the first place, 
 the keeping a force in reserve, and by strateg3^ outflanking his enemy by 
 dignified silence, this was military; in the second place, the preacher's 
 masterly christian eloquence upon "'wisdom,'' which, despite his early 
 
12 
 
 prejudices found a lodxinent in tlie mind, ejecting much liis early love 
 tor' war and its disi)lay. and tiiouo-li the eye k)ve(l military tactics and the 
 play of vmi\ yet he loved more the living principles of Christianity, and 
 though generally reticent,^yet in his hist days when life was wasting, sober 
 reason spake and oni* warrioi- dechired. " Wmlom u better than weapons 
 of war."' and so declaring, departed this lile in peace. 
 
 Our first parents in our township were fearless and just, never hiding 
 themselves among trees of ancient planting, and were early enabl •(! to 
 ])artake of the fruit of their own industry, and we would gladly tiame 
 them all. but b}' so doing we should become a mere tombstone in com- 
 memorating the dates of the birth and death of early settlers. 
 
 Biographical notices we would gladly give, if our proposed limits 
 would allow, b.it what could be interesting to the reading public, in the 
 lives of men whose chief merit consisted in the due fulHllment of the 
 duties of private life? 
 
 The names of the first settlers are interesting because they were the 
 first settlers. Of them we have no affecting tale to relate, no peiils by 
 fire, flood, field or railway ; no crimes to relate by the wrong doing of 
 others or themselves — but of them we can say and are happy in the say- 
 ing, that they were a moral, religious and prudent people, lovers of na- 
 ture, kindred, countr}-, living lives of industry and admirable foresight, 
 made the best of their situation, were cheerful and lived in quest of 
 comfort, begat children, and died, and in the next decade a niore able 
 historian will name them. The reader will find much matter in these 
 "■Early Gleanings" that first appeared in the ''History of Penobscot 
 County,'' by Williams, Chase and Co.. Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 By an act of the Senate and House of Kepresentatives in General 
 Court assembled June 21, 1811, township No. 2, in the 4th range north 
 of the Waldo Patent, in the County of Hancock, was incorporated and 
 established as a town, by the name of Corinth. At the time of incorpor- 
 ation there were 197 inhabitants of the town. The warrant for the first 
 town-meeting was issued by Moses Hodsdon, of Levant, a Justice of 
 the Peace. 
 
 The first town-meeting was held on the 17th day of March, 1812, at the 
 dwelling house of Elijah Skinner. The meeting was callea to order by 
 Moses Hodsdon, Esq., of Levant, and Mark Trafton was chosen Modera- 
 tor, — Isaac Hodsdon, Town Clerk, — William Hammond, Elijah Skinner, 
 John Hunting, Selectmen, — William Peabody, Elijah Skinmr, David 
 A. Gove, Assessors. — Mark Trafton, Treasurer, — Joshua C. Thompson, 
 Keuben Ball, Constables, — Andrew Goodhue, Elijah Skinner, Jomithan 
 Snow, Joseph Bragdon, Surverors of Highways,— Josiah Simpson, 
 Jonathan Snow, Simon Prescott, Tythingmen, — Benjamin Dyer, Kobert 
 Campbell, Eichard Palmer, Abner Tibbetts, Fence-viewers. — Knfus 
 Simpson, Mason Skinner, Joseph Prescott, Joshua Herrick, Hog-reeves. 
 
 Raised $700 for highways;— voted that $1.25 be allowed for a day's 
 work, eight hours constituting the day. Raided $200 for support of 
 schools, to be paid in corn at $1.00 per bushel, rye at $1.17 and wheat at 
 $1.33. Raised $150 to defray town charges. Established a road from 
 New Charleston through Hunting Settlement to South line of Corinth. 
 Established a road from Mr. John Goodhue's (Ohio Settlement.) run- 
 ning in a northerly direction through the Skinner settlement and the 
 Simpson settlement (now Eddy settlement,) to Exeter line. Estab- 
 lished a road from Mr. Lewis Bean's, Ohio settlement, running westerly 
 to Exeter line. 
 
 Notwithstanding the necessary labor in building roads, the forming 
 
13 
 
 of school districts, erecting scliool houses, selecting groiuids for 
 cemeteries ^vel•e duties not neglected. Schools also received prompt 
 attention, and were commenced as soon as school houses were in 
 readiness. 
 
 In 1S18 several families from P^ddington (Me.) moved into the Eddy 
 settlement, which was an imijortant acquisition to the town. Among 
 the Tiew-comeis was Mr. VVilliMni Eddy, who was born in Sackville, 
 N.B.. July 1. 1775. died in Corintij. January 22. 1852. His death was 
 «>ccasioned by a fall frou) a scaffold; his loss to the entire comumnity 
 was very great. 
 
 Mr. Jonathan M. Eddy, eldest son of Mr. William Eddy, was born 
 in Eddiiigton, Oct. 22, 1797, died in Corinth. August 5, 1875. Pope 
 pronounced a titting eulogy on Mr. Eddy, when he declared: ''An 
 hiuiest man is the noblest work of God." 
 
 For his first wife he married Miss Eliza Morrill, who died Feb. 5. 
 1861. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabetli G. Twombly. with whom he 
 iiappily passed the last days of a useful and quiet life, — the wife still 
 living and making happy new and I'espectable connections. 
 
 Mr. Wiljard Eddy and Sylvester Eddy, sons of Mr. William Eddy, 
 and also tlie several sous of Mr. Joseph Eddy, together with Mr. 
 John Campbell, son of the pioneer Kobert Campbell, all men uniting 
 in life's laudable eftbrts for good, have rendered efficient service in 
 making the Eddy Neighborhood a pleasant residence. 
 
 East Bidge. 
 
 In 1816 Mr. Samuel Houston commenced farming on lands lying 
 East of East Corinth, and asked by petition that the town cause a 
 road to be laid out from his '-chopping" to East Corinth, and after 
 this granting of the petition, other persons commenced clearing lands, 
 and soon a neighborliood was in existence, called the Savage Settle- 
 ment, but the name was soon changed to East Bidge. 
 
 The land was productive, and families increased, and the road asked 
 for was soon extended farther east, and ''East Ridge" soon embraced 
 a large territoi-j' extending from the Ridge in an easterly direction to 
 the Hudson line, and those having the gift of prophecy predicted that 
 in coming time -'East Ridge" in beautj" and comeliness would equal 
 her elder sister, East Corinth. The first settlers of East Ridge have 
 been gathered to their fathers; others, loving more a warmer clime, 
 have left; yet to-day the Ridge lesounds W'ith the farmer's cheering 
 voice from the cultivated fields, and the mechanic's hammer in the shop. 
 
 The road from Charleston line, leading through the Ridge is mostly 
 on elevat( d ground, and farms on each side show due cultivation, while 
 merry sound of voices tell of happy firesides. The children in the 
 street greet you happily, and with smiling faces hasten to the school 
 room. Those just commencing to teach show early development and 
 rare fitness for teaching. 
 
 Crossing the main road leading to Kenduskeag, you proceed in an 
 easterly direction to ''Bear Brook," the waters of which, after putting 
 in quick motion the saw^ mill, shingle mill, and planing mill of Mr. 
 James R. Trim, join the waters of Pushaw Pond; pursuing still fur- 
 ther in the same direction, you intersect the Farrar road, leading from 
 Charleston to Kenduskeag and are within 150 rods of the tow^n line 
 of Hudson. 
 
14 
 
 In 1823 Eev. Stpph<'ii Dexter became the first settled minister in 
 the town. Mr. Dexter was born in Cape Cod. Mass.. in 1776. died in 
 Corinth. Angust. 1836. Mr. Dexter's ministry was very aocei)table to 
 his people; he was a man of industry, and equally at home on the farm, 
 in the shop or pulpit; his family was large and sons aiid daughters 
 learned to follow a father's judicious example and timelj' instructions. 
 The first church edifice (Bai)tist) was built in 1832. near the residence 
 of the pastor. In 1856 the building was removed to a ver}' desirable lo- 
 cation in East Coiinth village, and being remodeled and well finished, 
 with fitting steeple and fine toned bell, it was admired for its architect- 
 in-al fitness and sweetly toned belfry music. This church has generally 
 been fortunate, as now. in having in its [)ulpit. pastors of marked abili- 
 ties, while the singing gallery universally gives notes divinely sweet to 
 the cnltivated ear. Deacon Dexter's heart is always there, and oft you 
 hear his mellow notes of praise, soothingly sweet, even now in his even- 
 ing of life, ascending from his family pew. 
 
 The Methodists have two churches, one in Corinth, the other in East 
 Corinth with a recently purchased bell of large size and great power. 
 Both churches are of medium size, well finished, and so cleaidy kept that 
 all must admit the fact that Methodists believe in internal purity in the 
 sanctuary, as well as in practical life. In 1856, the Free Baptists ei'ected 
 a commodious house in East Corinth, excellent in all its appointments, 
 where they worship with n free v-ill 'aul\ commendable zeal. Connected 
 with each church are Sabbath schools which are doing wonders in the 
 great work of christian intelligence and practical purity. Looking re- 
 cently into the Sabbath schools, where the teaching of the young en- 
 grossed the philanthropic energies of the devoted christian, we read in 
 the face of teacher and scholar that there is bliss in life's working days, 
 and that none need wait for death ere heaven's joys begin, and the soul 
 that waits will never find. Connected also with these churches, are 
 social societies, sometimes called '^seiving societies^'' which are principally 
 managed by the intelligent ladies interested in the churclies. These 
 meetings are generally weekly, in which all can participate, and while 
 w^oman's industry works for church or pastorate, each contiibutes to its 
 social enjoyment under the admonition from apostolic lips. "Let your 
 speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know'how 
 to answer every man." While these societies refrain from all scandal 
 and evil speaking, thej^ make their own speech the vehicle of the mind, 
 sometimes running light, sometimes loaded, endeavoring at all times to 
 make language the garment of the soul, knowing that grace of utterance 
 comes from a root deeply within. The preacher's thoughts wdiich come 
 to us through the trained carpentry of words sometimes fall dull on the 
 ear, but become fragrant with a charm when the spirit of the words are 
 sensibly spoken in those societies which give social fitness of expression. 
 
 Gems, scattered broadcast from the pulpit, after being rehandled and 
 reset to words of social, graceful utterances, coming from the fountain 
 of pure thought, become not only gracious, but divine. 
 
 In the 15th century, jests, opinions and bon-mots spoken in conversa- 
 tion by men of genius were published and transmitted to posterity. 
 Giles Menage met with assemblies of literary men, and wrote their say- 
 ings which were published in 1693, and all admirers of genuine wit and 
 deep thought, love the published literary conversations of Horace Wal- 
 pole, and the table talk of Selden. While men of colloquial eloquence 
 thus give to the world thoughts worthy remembrance, may not mothers 
 and sisters in their ''Table Talk"' at their social gatherings, teach the 
 
15 
 
 world rh;it tluMe is a power nnd sweetness in words spoken from the 
 full heart and pnre lite ol cnltivated womanhood V And will not Cor- 
 inthians acknowledge that snch i)Ower and sweetness are fonnd in 
 our social gatherings? And to which will not cultured man give his 
 presence? 
 
 For many years after the town was incorpoi-ated, political and sec- 
 tional strife was unknown. JJonesty and ahility were the requisite 
 qualitications for ofhce ; and for positions of trusu candidates were se- 
 lected with that caie that the nuistei" builder culls from his lumber 
 the titting timbers for his editice. and that man would have blushed 
 if found intriguing for position by bargain or deception. But a change 
 came. During the presidential canvass in which John Adams. General 
 Jackson. ^V. 11. Ciawford and Henry Clay were candidates, the doc- 
 ti-ii.e— that --the spoils belonged to the victors/* and he who did most 
 for his party deserved largely from his party the offices and emolu- 
 UKMits within his i)arty's gifts — became the doctrine of tlie nniltitudes. 
 
 He who had formerly been favorably regarded for the raising two 
 blad'.s of grass wheie but one had previously grown, was considered 
 an idiot, when compared with him who could deposit two votes for 
 his party where only one honest vote was due. Men, honest in all 
 tilings else, were seldom truthful in political matters; and men who 
 would attempt to stay the breeze of political fraud soon found them- 
 selves contending with volcanic matter, lava and political gases. 
 
 Conservative men predicted disastrous effects from the ''spoil sys- 
 tem," and with long reaching prophetic eye saw Immaii beings sow- 
 ing broadcast, discord, fraud and demoralization, and, as "'coming events 
 cast t! eir shadows before," may it not be imagined that the forms thus 
 seen were a Conkling or a Cuiteau? 
 
 While we have under consideration such matters as pertain to the inter- 
 ests of the community, we cannot refrain from alluding to malaria, 
 which physicians of well earned fame declare ''the angel of destruction." 
 Few people are aware of the extent to which malaria affects us. It is 
 the source of more than half of the diseases to which th-e human race is 
 subject, and more than half the mortality which depopulates our com- 
 munity. From works published in 1827, by the learned physician, Dr. 
 James M'Culloch, and other distinguished physicians, we have derived 
 facts and reasonings deeply interesting to every man in the communitj\ 
 and to such works w^e call the attention of our reading community. 
 With us, malaria is most active in the months of July, August and Sep- 
 tember, producing dropsy, obstructions of the liver and spleen, hebeta- 
 ting the intellect, causing general lassitude, rheumatism and dj^spepsia. 
 Not that these disorders do not in many cases originate from other causes, 
 but that they are in many instances fully ascribable to the eflfects of ma- 
 laria. Dr. Fodrie in his excellent treatise observes that malaria stints 
 and debilitates the population, even where there is no particular disease. 
 The times, seasons, places and circumstances where malaria is found, 
 are the same as where insects abound. Insects are of all sizes from the 
 largest to the myriads of various kinds, which nothing but the most 
 powerful microscope can exhibit to our sight. But large or small, the 
 laws of their production are the same. Malaria originates in low 
 grounds, where vegetables having grown, die and putrefy, and where the 
 air IS impregnated with animalculce. Dry air is never a conductor of mi- 
 asma ; fires in the morning and evening accompanied with smoke, destroy 
 both insects and malaria. 
 
16 
 
 There is in like m:mn«u-. niul more to be dreaded in society, n mental 
 malaria, origiiiatintr in low and uneultivated minds, where diseased and 
 half grown putrefying thonghts create infections, morbid matt<-i'. and the 
 miasma air, poisoning the scenes of mental and social happy life. 
 
 In districts thus infested, peace soon departs— strife of words and 
 false accusations become the circulating medium of < xpression— the 
 slanderer becomes a walking pestilence, the evil minded give gieedy (>ar 
 to falsehoods, and the oily tongue of the defamer finds constant employ- 
 ment. 
 
 ****** 
 
 In 1830, without previous announcement, a small four paged monthly 
 newspaper, called the i¥i>ror and pnri)orting to be published in Corinth, 
 was widely distributed tin-ough the town. From the tone of its pub- 
 lished articles, it was readily ascertained that its objects vvere to make 
 odious the abuse of the faculty of speech, and while profane language 
 and falsehood wtre treated as evils, demanding the censure of all persons 
 scandal received the scathing denunciations of a pen. sharp as a serpent's 
 tooth, and as keenly felt as the sting of the wasp. The sheet was small, 
 but the presuming juvenile editor who was called the Porcupine, averred 
 his ability to show it was the contents of a paper which made the paper 
 great, while, with artistic skill he made each issue a moving picture of 
 the passing day. If there were any fearing that the flood gates of scan- 
 dal might be raised, and a quiet people inundated with tales of falsehood 
 "strange and vile." these fears were soon allayed, for a forced change 
 came — words became ashamed longer to run shallow and ceased to be 
 such, and conversation was no longer mere babbling surface of impure 
 waters— scandal stopped— and so did the Mirror. 'Tis said the Por- 
 cupine lives. 
 
 From the northerly line of the town, and running in a south easterly 
 direction to Kenduskeag, are five main roads : 
 
 First — From Exeter nearly on the line between Corinth (Ohio Settle- 
 ment) and Levant to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Second — From Exeter through Eddy and Skinner settlements to Ken- 
 duskeag. 
 
 Third — From Charleston through East Corinth to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Between these two last named roads, runs the Kenduskeag Stream. 
 
 Fourth — From Charleston through East Ridge to Kenduskeag. 
 
 Fifth — From Charleston through the Farrar settlement, intersecting 
 with roads leading to Kenduskeag. 
 
 These are well made roads, and are the leading avenues to Bangor. 
 Other roads are intersecting or town roads and that mostly traveled is 
 the cross road, — so called — established in 1819, leading from Smith's 
 Corner, East Corinth, in a westerly direction, crossing the stream, and 
 thence to Coilnth. Skinner settlement. From this cross road, com- 
 mencing near the bridge over the Kenduskeag stream, and still nearer 
 the entrance of the Pierre Paul brook with the stream, and running 
 nearly parallel with the same, is a road leading through a farming 
 neighborhood prolific in hay crops, and terminating at a road running 
 between Corinth and Kenduskeag, and near the residence of Andrew G. 
 Fitz. 
 
 East Corinth Academy was built in 1843. The Legislature of 1848, at 
 its summer session, donated for said Academy, h township of land. For 
 six 3'^ears now last past, Mr. David Fletcher has been principal, and his 
 present assistant is Miss M. E. Mathews. The school is well patronized. 
 
17 
 
 Corinth Cheese mikI Camiiii«: Fiictory's Association was organized in 
 1874. Jn town there are six eider mills, making in all abont 1200 bbls of 
 cider annually. The motive power of the mill recently built by Wilbur 
 K. Clark is steam, with an engine of sufficient power to drive saws, mills 
 for grinding grain, planing lumber, and making cider. 
 
 The new Tovm if<>?^sr, just completed, is an imposing edifice, costing as 
 a whole, about .5'5.200. On the ground floor is the Town Hall, especially 
 adapted to the town's wants, costing the town $2,200. On the second 
 floor i a large Hall built by the Corinthian Lodge of I. O. O. F.. ad- 
 mirably constructed, well tinished and furnished, costing the Lodge 
 .'^8,000. The Lodge mnnbers about 100 members. Regular meetings in 
 the Hall evei'y Wfnlnesday evening. 
 
 There are two societies < f Good Templars in town. That in Corinth — 
 the Ivy Lodg«'— contains 50 members — meet every Saturday evening at 
 their own Hall. Anchor Lodge ^in East Corinth, containing between one 
 and two hundred members, meet in Grange Hall evej-y Monday evening. 
 While it is believed that these societies do much goof for the cause of 
 tem]>erance, it is evident they produce much social enjoyment. 
 
 In 1875 the Pations of Husbandry established the Orient Grange in 
 Corinth. J^enioi- ( harlcs (lark was flrst Worthy Master. At its com- 
 mencement its numbers were few, and for several .vears its growth M'as 
 tardy; yet those loving its principles were untiring in their eflbrts to 
 sustain an institution which piomised the growth and culture of the hu- 
 man miiid. For this they worked as works the philanthropist and the 
 christian, believing that faith and works in a good cause would eventu- 
 ally be rewarded, and so it proved. To-day the Grange numbers between 
 one and two hundred, and those who entered doubting are now happy in 
 knoicing that sympathetic and fraternal intercourse with the laws of mind 
 and the great truths of nature will give to the inquiring human soul 
 wondrous growth. 
 
 Membei's have learned that the Grange is not a place for the lazy of 
 brain, or the sluggard in thought; that it is a mental working institution, 
 and while it has hours of pleasant recreation, it has working hours, hours 
 of study, deep thought, where pure expression, oral and written, are 
 only practical lessons that initiate them into the great millennial lan- 
 guage of a coming period, where falsehood and rough words will be un- 
 known, and unkindness will lose its name among men. The Grange 
 meets every Saturday evening at Grange Hall. 
 
 The Penobscot Central AgriculturaL Society hold their annual exhibi- 
 tions and fair generally on grounds of Mr. John Morrison, near Hunting's 
 tavern in East Corinth, using the large hall connected with the public 
 house for an agricultural hall during show days. These shows exhibit 
 in miniature the energy of the farming community and the handy work 
 of wives and daughtei's. 
 
 During the war of the rebellion, Henry W. Palmer enlisted in Compa- 
 ny H, 31st Regiment Maine Volunteers, and in the battle at the Wilder- 
 ness lost his entire right arm. On the same day of amputation on the 
 field, he travelled on foot sixteen miles to the nearest hospital. He is 
 now at the home of his boyhood, a lover of books, has a large library, 
 caring for his parents, and with his younger brother, Cliftbrd E. Palmer, 
 manages the farm made by their father. Mason S. Palmer, more than 
 half a century ago. 
 
 From the commencement of farming to about the year 1845, the pine 
 and the cedar were seemingly doomed to extermination. The ordinary 
 pine gave boards, clapboards and shingles for the outside completion of 
 
18 
 
 every biiildiiig, while that of u better quality fnrnislietl inaterifil for in- 
 side finish ; and while tiie devout builder of his own h')use, for his even- 
 ing devotions read from tlie J5eriptures tiie words of the King to Xatiian, 
 tlie Prophet, '"See, now 1 dwell in a house of cedar." this fai mer of hum- 
 ble pretensions exclaims. ''See. t o. I dwei) in a house of pine."' Bur the 
 great demand for shingles caused farmers to lay waste the cedais on their 
 low lands, converting those of fitting size and straight of rift into mer- 
 chandise. For many yt-ars, farmers spent their winters in shingle mak- 
 ing. This made wanton havoc with the cedars of the forest, and tree- 
 tops thickly scattered gave the appearance of waste. But within a few 
 years the down timber, still generally sound, is finding its Mppropriate 
 place in fencing the farms of the husbandman, thus keeping cattle within 
 the well fenced boimdaries of ownership. 
 
 Mr. Z. McKusic, a fence builder, has made in town, within the last ten 
 years, as by memoi-andiun by him kept, eleven miles and one hundred 
 atid thirty rods of cedar fence. 
 
 Until recently, the ceda'- has not been duly appreciated. Cedar wood, 
 as noticed in Leviticus, was prescribed among the materials used for the 
 cleansing of leprosy. The fourscore thousand hewers employed by Sol- 
 omon for cutting timber, robbed Lebanon of its glor}-; and instead of 
 regretting that we have no Solomon among us. of lavish pi-oclivities, we 
 are happy in saying that in our swamps and lovv lands we h ive a second 
 growing of cedar. 
 
 Andrew Strong, one of Corinth's most prominent men and one of her 
 early settlers, was a man of unusual capacities, was a surveyor of land, 
 and being appointed the agent of Benjamin Joy. Esq.. the principal pro- 
 prietor of the town, nearly all the sales of land wei-e made by him ; and 
 while he faithfully performed the duties of Agent, in no single instance 
 has it appeared that he lost sight of the interests of his townsmen. Mr. 
 Strong for many years was one of the municipal officers of the town — 
 laid out her roads and was generally foremost in all matters pertaining 
 to her interests, and in 1S19 was chosen delegate to meet in convention 
 for the forming a constitution of the State of Maine. In 1S35 Mr. Strong 
 became blind and placed in the hands of his pupil, Andrew G. Fitz, the 
 unfinished public business Of his life, delivering him his compass and 
 surveying apparatus, his minutes, memoranda and field notes, which are 
 complete from 1808 to 1835. Thus the compass and chain long used by 
 Mr, Strong, are now in the hands of Mr. Fitz. and still used with that 
 care and ability which distinguished the character of Corinth's veteran 
 surveyor. 
 
 Doctor ^ William I*eabody was the first educated physician in town. The 
 Dr. was born in Boxford, Mass., January 10, 1768, received his education 
 n B y field, Mass. : studied medicine with Dr. Skimier, of Brewer; was 
 surgeon in the war of 1812; was at the battle in Hampden; commenced 
 practice in Corinth in 1812; was a successful physician and a worthy and 
 liighly respected citizen; died December 14, 1857. There was a particu- 
 lar instance in the doctor's medical practice which history (for the con- 
 sideration of present physicians) deems worthy of record : After pre- 
 scribing for a patient evidently very sick, the doctor found that the 
 medicine administered had no effect upon the disease, and for a long time 
 he studiously labored to reach the case of the sick man, but the disease 
 was refractory, yielding in no wise to the doctor's medicinal curatives ; 
 in short, the doctor saw and honestly admitted he did not understand the 
 nature of the complaint ; yet the patient, being a man of strong constitu- 
 tion, recovered. For his services the doctor refused compensation, 
 
19 
 
 alleging that no physician should receive pay for treating a disease 
 which was beyond iiis reading and research I 
 
 Doctor Jared Fuller came to Corinth in 1832, at which time he com- 
 menced practice as a physician; was generally successful in his profes- 
 sion ; was moderate in his charges, kind to the poor and circumspect in 
 all his social relations, lie served one term in the State Legislature; 
 was twice of the Governor's Council. In 18(58 he was chairman of a 
 committee to investigate charges preferred against th« Insane Asylum; 
 was, at the time of his decease, October 6, 1878, Postmaster at East Cor- 
 inth. While one of the municipal officers of the town, the only charge 
 bi'ought against his official duties was his universal kindness to the town''s 
 poor ! 
 
 Doctor Jason Huckins graduated at Castleton. Vt., Medical College, 
 Novembei", 1809: commenced practice in Corinth, June, 1860; entered 
 military service as assistant surgeon of the 22d Regiment Maine Volun- 
 teers in' August. 1862. and served one year in the Department of the Gulf, 
 principally in Louisiana. Since his return from military service as a sur- 
 geon, he has been in full practice in Corinth and its vicinity. His resi- 
 dence is in East Corinth. 
 
 C. S. Philbrick, Homa'opathic Physician and Surgeon, resides at East 
 Corinth. 
 
 VV. F. Johnson. Dentist, has an office in East Corinth. 
 
 Eliab hhaw. Veterinary Surgeon, resides near ThisselPs Mills. 
 
 Charles Megquier keeps drugs and a full assortment of medicines at 
 his store in East ('orinth. 
 
 Charles Edmunds keeps on hand a large assortment of coffins in East 
 Corinth 
 
 Town hearse in East Corinth. 
 
 Major Ora Oakman w^as born in Bangor, Nov. 12. 1809, died in Corinth, 
 April 12, 1872. In early boyhood, with his father's family, he came to 
 Corinth (Ohio Settlement), labored on his father's farm during Spring, 
 Sunnner and Autumn months, and attended the town school during Win- 
 ter. Young Oakman easil}' accomplished any study he undertook, and 
 resolved to study himself as he would study a problem in algebra, and 
 thus make himself a proficient in all matters within the province of self- 
 taught human attainments. The bird of song in the hedge taught him 
 the love of music, hence he studied music. But it was in the branches 
 of education taught in our common schools that he applied the energies 
 of studious thought. To teach others what he had learned himself, was 
 mere pastime. In the school room he was perfectly at home — his man- 
 ner was imposing and dignified, and as a disciplinarian no teacher ex- 
 celled him. Order in the school room was the first thing in order. No 
 scholar cared to be otherwise than orderly in his presence. Although a 
 practical farmer, he taught forty town schools and sixty singing schools. 
 His name and character were synonymous — he was an Oak-man, showing 
 at all times the grain of the wood without a blemish, and that he was 
 '•Live Oak" was evident from his active life. He earned much money, 
 but his liberalitj^ exceeded usual bounds. Four Oaken sons survive the 
 fallen Oak. and all are musicians. 
 
 The citizens of Corinth, ever loving the remembrance of their heroic 
 dead who fought in the war of the Rebellion, now most respectfully give 
 to history the names of those killed in battle, or who died from w^ounds 
 received or disease contracted in the army. 
 
 In life they were our loved ones ; by death they are embalmed^ and live in 
 our thoughts forever. 
 
20 
 
 George B. F. llosmer. Junjes Stevens. 
 
 Stillmin Gnpp.y. Henry J. Hurd- 
 
 Aiistin W. VVhi'ttier. Moses W. Fiske. 
 
 VVni. FI. Herrick. Georu^e VV. Hunl. 
 
 *Eli W. Parkinaii. Aaron Flonston. 
 
 Andrew J. Whittier. C. AutriKtus Kesor. 
 
 Sumner S. Bean. Z. Taylor Reynolds. 
 
 Eufus H. Gilinan. Israel Hodsdon. 
 
 Henry C. Heald. John Havn. 
 
 Chester Pearson. Allen Hnnrino-. 
 
 David B. Herrick. Frank Ronndy. 
 
 Josiah M. Whittier. John Hunting-. 
 Levi Stevens. . Isaac R. \V^)rth. 
 
 Alfred W. Warren. Chester M. H rrick. 
 
 Nathan Chamberlain. Henry D. Fuller. 
 
 Asa H. Sawyer. Alonzo Batcheliler, 
 
 Charles A. Whittier. Cvrus Perkins. 
 
 Edgar Sargent. Walter A* Crowell. 
 
 Evander C. Curtis. Benjainin Crowell. 
 
 Henry Lyford. Thomas F. Hincklev. 
 
 Newell J. Bradley. William Eddy. 
 
 Fred J. Rollins. Stephen Barker. 
 
 On the easterlj^ side of Kenduskeag Stream and runin'iig nearly in a 
 southerly direction, as runs the stream, and nearly parallel with the road 
 on the westerly side, is a road leading to Robieville. near Kenduskeag's 
 northerly line, at which place there is an excellent water privilege, 
 owned and recently occupied by Mr. Clark Hersey. Here the stream is 
 spanned by a covered bridge which gives Robieville a business-like 
 aspect. By changing the starting point on the road last named, and 
 proceeding in a northerlj'^ direction from Robieville. and crossing the 
 road leading from East Corinth to Corinth, you so mi find yourself in the 
 vicinity of the saw mill and shingle mill on the waters of the Crooked 
 Brook, owned by the heirs of Mr. John Thissell. At this place the mills 
 were built by Deacon John Hunting. A short distance from these mills, 
 but situated upon the waters of the Kenduskeag, are the saw mill, shingle 
 mill and grist mill owned and occupied by Messrs. McGregors. All the 
 above named mills have done, and are now in condition of doing good 
 work. 
 
 In the vicinity of these mills, farmers are tilling a soil of easy cul- 
 ture, and very productive. A pleasant road leading from East Cor- 
 hith, and passing near the ''Corinthian cemetery," crosses the Crooked 
 Brook and the Kenduskeag stream, and branches in divei-se directions. 
 
 There are in town four Post Offices, each supplied with a daily mail. 
 Isaac Hodsdon was the first Post Master in Corinth. 
 Elbridge H. Bragdon present Post Master in Corinth. 
 David A. Gove first Post Master in East Corinth. 
 Timothy McDonald present Post Master in East Corinth. 
 Humphrey Nichols present Post Master in South Corinth. 
 Thomas Haynes present Post Master in West Corinth. 
 
 From the report of General John L. Hodsdon, formerly Adjutant Gen- 
 eral of the State, the following extracts of Military Biographies of Col. 
 George Fuller, Lieutenant H. D. Fuller and Sergeant Israel Hodsdon are 
 gleaned. 
 
 ♦Parkman lived in Charleston, but buried with Corinth's dead. 
 
21 
 
 l/icuteiiaiit Coloiu'l George Fuller enlisted as a j)rivate on the 2Uh of 
 April. 1801, ill a company raised in Corinth, of which he was elected 
 Lieutenant, and which became Company H. 6th Regiment, and subse- 
 quently elejted Captain, and was mustered in with his Regiment July 
 15th. 1861. and on April 24th. 1864. was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 
 and was in many battles. In the battle of GarnelPs Farm, he was struck 
 in the breast tjy a spent ball; at Rappahannock Station his horse was 
 killed under him. his sword shot ofl'. and In; wounded and carried from 
 the held. After being in the service of his country thirt5Miine months, 
 he tendered his resignation, and was honorably mustered uut. 
 
 TJeutenant Henry D Fuller of Corinth entered the service in March, 
 1864. as Second Lieutenant in Baker's District of Columbia Cavalry. He 
 served with his regiment in the Army of the James under General But- 
 ler, and in October. 1864, when he wjis captured by the enemy at the bat- 
 tle of Cox's Mills, and remained in prison until December of that year. 
 In the meantime his regiment had been consolidated with the 1st Maine 
 Cavalry, and after his release Ih^ joined that regiment for duty as 2nd 
 Lieutenant of Company B, and served in that capacity with great credit 
 till the close of the war. In the last campaign of the Army of the 
 Potomac he was severely wounded. After the surrender of Lee, he was 
 detailed on provost duty at Petersburgh, Virginia, for four months and 
 was mustered out of service with his regiment in August. 1868. 
 
 Sergeant Israel Hodsdon of Company H. 6th Maine Volunteers of Cor- 
 inth, aged 25 years, son of Nathan Hodsdon. was mortaUy wounded in 
 the battle of Rappahannock Station on the 7th day of November, 1863, 
 and died during his removal from the battle-tield to Washington. His 
 remains were embalmed by order of his Captain, and sent to his home in 
 Corinth. 
 
 Chauncey Cochrane, the son of James Cochrane Jr.. was born at Pem- 
 broke, N. H., Nov. 24th, 1801; was married Nov. 26th, 1828, to Sarah 
 Cochrane of the same place. In June. 1833, Mrs. Cochrane, the wife of 
 the said Chauncey. was murdered by a young man named Prescott, who, 
 upon being convicted, suffered the penalty of the law. Receiving a se- 
 vere blow upon the head, Mr. Cochrane barely escaped the fate of his 
 wife. Suftering deeply from the tragic death of the wife, with two small 
 children he sought a home in Maine, and in 1834 commenced business as 
 a trader in East Corinth. In February, 1838, he was married to Miss 
 Maria Gay, of New London, N. H. By this marriage he had nine chil- 
 dren, of whom two sons and three daug-^hters are now living. Owing to 
 ill health in 1851 he abandoned trade and engaged in farming, in which 
 he has been very successful. Being a practical business man, and having 
 the confidence of his townsmen, he was often in town business, and in 
 1851-2 was elected a member of our State Legislature. Mr. Cochrane is of 
 Scotch descent. His great-grandfather came from the south of Scotland 
 and settled in Pembroke, N. H., before its incorporation. His grand- 
 father, James Cochrane, was a soldier of the Revolution. Chauncey 
 Cochran interested himself much for schools and the ministry, and the 
 well educated and religiously inclined family of his own household tells 
 of the wonderful success of his home teaching ; and those who have loved 
 the reading of Scottish history, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," by 
 Robert Burns, will love them the more by an mtimate acquaintance with 
 the Cochrane family. 
 
 Mr. James Knowles, who for many years was the popular landlord of 
 the Parker House, has taken possession of his private residence, which, 
 for structure and fine finish is unsurpassed in our county, and, while the 
 
22 
 
 community have perfect coiitideiice in liis* successor. Mr. J. Wesley 
 Hunting, yet the ever cht-erful face of ourhite host will long he missed, 
 hy those who h)ved his words of kinihiess.a d his prompt action in hehalf 
 of all asking his assistance. The pr< sent landlord has made improve- 
 ments, and liis four-horse mail stage coach leaves for Bangor every 
 day at six a. m., returning, arrives at six i'. M. 
 
 The many years that Ex-Governor Davis and his brother. Ira VV. Da- 
 vis were Counsellors and Attorneys in town, demonstrated the fact that 
 lawyers may. at all times, strictly perform all the requiiements of the 
 law. toward all parties, and at the sanu- time be lovers of peace— pure in 
 thought and action, so essential to the vital interests of the community. 
 
 The first efforts to establish Salibath Schools were made in 18;]2 by 
 Deacon Stephen Dexter, and Miss Elma Merrick, to which Mrs. John To- 
 zier. now eighty-six years of age. contributed valuable books. 
 
 In 1850 Corinth contained 1600 souls; in 1800, 1800 souls; in 1870,1402 
 souls; in 1880. i;:83 souls. 
 
 Ever <ince Maine became a State, her citizens have complained of the 
 injustice done the grand old Pine, as represented in the device of our 
 State Seal, and a citizen of Corinth forwarded the following petition to 
 the Legislature, which was respectfully received and read to the Senate. 
 
 To the Honorable Senate and House of Beprestntatires of Maine, in Legis- 
 lature assembled : 
 
 lieppcctfully represents j'our petioner. a citizen of the town of Cor- 
 inth, in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, that more than half 
 a centurj' ago he was permitted to enjoy his first remembered outlook 
 upon the dense forests of the ''•Pine Tree State;" — that his early dom- 
 licile, and the rocking cradle of his infancy, were alike made of the flesh 
 colored pines so bountifully interspeised throughout our groves and 
 woodlands; — that while his nursing childhood drew mitriment from its 
 surroundings, producing enlargement from what it fed upon, the bal- 
 samic properties of the pine permeated the entire make up of his com- 
 plex nature — manhood and pinehood. 
 
 The marvellous beauty of a pine grown upon the soil of Norridgewock 
 in our State, one hundred and ftfty feet in length and four and one-half 
 feet in diameter, while little Liberty in Waldo County, competing for the 
 mastery in tree growing, gave a pine seven feet at stiunp, making ten 
 thousand six hundred and ten feet of square edged boards, claimed the 
 admiration of your petitioner's juvenile life; and while his nursery tales 
 partook largely of mythology and fable, it was not difficult to believe 
 that at a Congress of 'J'rees, the dimpled e3^e of the bird's eyed maple, 
 clearly saw the coming popularity of the majestic pine, and secured an 
 honest Congressional vote, declaring her the queen of the woods, at 
 which all the pines, with waving branches invoked the gentle winds of 
 the breathing hill, thus chanting a melody so soft and plaintively sweet, 
 that Orpheus ceased his notes, and dancing trees gave listening ear to 
 the Te Deum Laudamns of the worshipping pfne — a music sw^eeter than 
 breathings of harp or lute, until woodlands felt the influence of the re- 
 ligion of the forest, and the inspired poet wrote, -'The groves were God's 
 first Temple. 
 
 And while thus entranced with the pine and its worship, the historical 
 readings of your petitioner taught him, that as early as the 17th century, 
 good mother Massachusetts so loved the gold in the^ mine and the pine in 
 forest, that she stamped the gold with the figure of the pine, giving it a 
 currency known as Pine Tree Money ; and while he loved the current 
 coin, and hoping for its plenteous accumulations, coming years brought 
 
 • 
 
23 
 
 nnticipnted niaiiliood and Maine's Governor honored yonr petitioner with 
 a commission bearing the seal of the State. Then the eye fell sadly up- 
 on the meager bush representing the pine of Maine! — a nondescript — a 
 niere shrub withont majestic comeliness, a forest fungus! 
 
 All that had been said and written on the beauty of the pine came has- 
 tilj' back and forced memory's doors for entrance, and your petioner sor- 
 rowed that in early life he had said to one of Maine's fairest daughters — 
 now his wife — that she was as gi'aceful in stature as the pine; — at a mere 
 glance at the bush on the seal, the fair one declined the honor of resem- 
 blance, preferring rather being the spruce giil of the period. 
 
 Sensitively elieving that the engraved pine upon the State's Seal, in- 
 decorously and strangely symbolizes a meanness and dwarfage no where 
 found in Maine's varied industries, judicial powers or legislative bodies, 
 your petitioner has long hoped for a more truthful representation of 
 Maine, as she ks, engraven, not only upon memory's tablets, but tittingly 
 depicted in signet and shield. 
 
 To study the pine as noiv engraven upon the seal of our State for sem- 
 blance of the pine of our forests would be as futile as to read the de- 
 scription of animals in zoological cabinets to find the likeness of the 
 beast rising out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, seen by John 
 the Eevelator. Therefore, and that your memorialist may no longer pine 
 over the demoralized pinery of his State, he asks that the seal now in use 
 be at once remodeled and Ke Pl^■ED, and in duty bound will ever pray. 
 
 Corinth, January, 1879. Mason S. Palmer. 
 
 Mason S. Palmer of Corinth, was born in that town October 27, 1803 
 His first remembered outlook upon the world was among forests, and 
 the then recently felled trees, and small patches of cleared land incident 
 to farin making. To this work he devoted his days of boyhood, except- 
 ing always such times as he was enabled to attend such schools as were 
 early introduced into the township. In early life he became a teacher, 
 and on arriving at his majority was chosen superintendent of schools. 
 He afterwards wrote in the various county ofltices; at a suitable age he 
 was appointed assistant Post Master at Bangor, and left that position 
 was appointed Register of Probate for Penobscot County, which office 
 he held for many j^ears. For several years Mr. Palmer had charge of 
 the Katahdin Iron Works in Piscataquis County, from which he went 
 to Briggs Iron Company, Berkshire County Massachusetts, as its agent, 
 where he was engaged nine years, during which time he served one term 
 as a member of the Legislature of Massachusetts and was also appointed 
 clerk of the court of insolvency for the county of Berkshire and one of 
 the supervisors of schools. After suffering seriously by fire, he re- 
 turned to his native town, and at this writing, resides on the farm in the 
 neighborhood of his birih. Mr. Palmer married Miss Mary Johnson 
 Coy, daughter of the late Captain Henry Coy, of Minot, Maine, an offi- 
 cer of the war of 1812. 
 
 Hon. Noah Barker was born in Blaisdell Plantation, now Exeter, Nov. 
 14, 1807. After receiving a common school education, the Academies of 
 Hampden and Foxcroft gave him such further suitable training as fitted 
 him for business life, and he commenced surveying in 1830. and has 
 surveyed not only the Northern parts of Maine into townships, but has per- 
 formed efficient work in New Hampshire and Canada. After serving his 
 terrain the capacity of school commissioner, and several years as select- 
 man, he was elected to the Legislature in 1837, 1839 and'^in 1855 ; and to 
 the Senate in 1878 and 1879 ; was also County Commissioner for several 
 
u 
 
 years and State Land A^ent 1867 and 1859. He married Temperance B- 
 Eddy in 1839, and in 185(3 settled in the place once o(;cnpied by Wil- 
 liam Eddy, Esq. Kecently Mr. Barker lias removed to Exeter. his son Wil- 
 liam now occupying the farm firstly known as the Simpson Farm, then 
 William Eddy, afterwards Noah Barker and now William Barker. 
 
 Henry L. Pearson, was born in Warren. Maine Jan 3. 1805. He mar- 
 ried Knthy Dntton. daughter of James Dntton who died while she was 
 .an infant, she was bronglit np by the Hon. S. E. Dntton, of B iig-or. and 
 having received a good education in early life came to Corinth as a 
 teacher, and has successfnlly tanght not only childhood's schools ; bnt 
 by noble example. tanght wonjan-hood dnties ; then wife-hood. then moth- 
 er-hood. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have had ten children all ivtlecting cred- 
 it to parental ttachings; and the parents are now spending a qniet old 
 age on the beautifnl farm they made from the wilderness, cared for by 
 their son Mr. Charles Pearson and his wife with six children, two sons 
 and four daughters. 
 
 Cliftbrd W. shores, after beconung of age engaged in the liver}' bus- 
 iness in Waterville — in 1858 settled on the place he now oci;npies. He 
 married Adesta Roundy. daughter of John Boundy, of Corinth. They 
 have two children; own sixty acres of land in town, nndving a tine farm 
 and are highly respected citizeiis. 
 
 William Spratt tirst settled in Sebec. married Pamelia Miller, daughter 
 of Benjamin Miller, of Barnard, Piscataqnis (.'ounty. Me. moved to Corinth 
 in 1851, settled on the farm on which he now lives near tiie centre of the 
 town. But one of his four children now lives viz.. Fraidv. who resides 
 with his parents on the homestead of about one hundred acres of excel- 
 lent land, on which are very desirable buildings. 
 
 Humphrey Nichols was born Jamiary 13, 1807. married Marcia G. 
 Tylei', by whom he had ten children; his second wife was Hannah 
 Lovren, of Deering. New Hampshire. Mr. Nichols first settled where 
 he now resides; is Postmaster of South Coi-inth, which olfice he has 
 filled most of the time for thirty years. He owns three hundred and 
 ten acres of land in town, and thongh now seventy four j^ears of age, 
 takes nuich interest in the current events of the day. 
 
 Nathaniel Smith, who came here in 1827 from New London, NewHamp- 
 shire, and settled on the farm he now occupies with his son, George H. 
 was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married Betsey Herrick, 
 daughter of Jonathan Herrick, of New London. Age has not abated his 
 industry works on the farm as a man of less years. 
 
 George H. Smith, son of Nathaniel Smith was born September 16 
 1838. He married Emma C. Blanchard, daughter of John C. Blanchard 
 and settled on the homestead about one mile south of the Town House 
 which is a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres, holding the 
 ofHce of Selectman of the town. and the husbandry of a wife, that ''seeketh 
 wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands," They have six 
 pattern cliildren. 
 
 Hon. John Thissell was born in Fishersfield,now called Newbury, NeW 
 Hampshire, Dec. 31, 1804. He lived in N. H. until he was twentj'-one 
 yearsof age, where he received a common school education. He came to 
 Corinth in 1831, and settled on the East Ridge on the farm now occupied 
 by Stephen H. Worth. 
 
 In 1869 he purchased the farm in East Corinth, where he lived happi" 
 ly and pleasantly, respected by all ; was one of the Selectmen for nearly 
 twenty years. In 1848 he was a member of the State Legislature. In 
 1859 and 1860 was in the Senate, was a member of the State Board 
 
25 
 
 of, Agiiculture for three years. In 1831 he married for his first wife Al- 
 lafeeba B. liainsdell a native of Lunenburg. Massachusetts, who died in 
 Corinth liaving brought him two children. Charles T., who married Mar- 
 riett Frencii. of (Jorinth.and Henry W.. wlio died in said town at the age 
 of twenty-seven years. He afterwards married Mrs. Abby True, a native 
 of Montville.who was a devoted wife and with whom he spent life's hap- 
 py afternoon. Mr. Thissell was reseived, not ambitious of talk.but divine- 
 ly reticent. The household lie so much loved was enhanced by the pres- 
 ence of his stepdaughter Cariie M. True whose words ever fell happily on 
 his ear in a home of such stirring interests and inspirations; our friend al- 
 ways of tieep tiiought dwelt upon the wonderful things which were told 
 by the early Sheplierds. and pondered them in his heart; for the heart 
 is profounder than the head. It is the head that makes all the shallow 
 racket in the world. It is the head that is comparatively superficial. Ft 
 is the hick of the heart that makes the hick of all we lack. I'o our fri 'nd 
 Christianity was a matter of heait.and a matter of reason, and out of the 
 heart came his profound nieditations. 
 
 Our friend h»ved quiet. Deep beneath the tenipestuous sea are the still 
 waters, and there the pearls are found. He was deeply Interior — was not 
 wholly under tlie restraint of tliu church — he pondered deeply on the 
 promised glories of another life ; and while thus pondering, entered that 
 life. 
 
 Thomas G. Watson came from Farmington, N. H., in 1823 and served 
 an apprenticeship at the carpenter and millwright business. In 1829 he 
 married Miss Sophia Came of Buxton, Me., worked at his trade until 1831 
 when he moved to Corinth, He has had six children, buried two, one 
 killed in battle, the other dying young. Mr. Watson has held many town 
 oftices. and in 1856, represeiited his town in the Legislature, but is con- 
 tent with being a farmer, and is a remarkably healthy man, having never 
 known sickness. 
 
 Clark. Hersey was born January 14. 1806, and settled in the south part 
 of Corinth in 1832 In 1834 married Olive Trefren, daughter of George 
 Trefren of Salem, Mass., has had nine children, six boys and three 
 girls. He moved to his present farm in East Corinth in 1869, owns 
 over three hundred acres of excellent land, and though for many years 
 an invalid, he is at all times busy, fully retaining his faculties.' He 
 has held important offices and posesses largely those rare qualities con- 
 stituting a good neighbor. 
 
 N. S. White was born in 1840 and married Miss Helen Palmer, daugh- 
 ter of John Palmer of North Bangor, he settled in Corinth in 1869 on a 
 valuable farm in the centre of the town with good buildings ; is a lover 
 of agriculture and his home. 
 
 John Morrison came from Sebec. purchased the early homes tead of the 
 late Stephen Dexter, adding largely to its a<'.res, number and elegance of 
 its buildings. Has filled, satisfactorily the various positionsassigned him 
 in the Senate, and House of Representatives and town municipalites; 
 takes great interest in all agricultural matters, loves much his house- 
 hold, his farm, his oxen and the pine on his timber lands, and without 
 murmurs or the making of wry faces at his assessors, pays the largest 
 tax in town. 
 
 Mellville C. Palmer, youngest son of the late Richard Palmer, was 
 born June 12. 1822 married Miss Elizabeth Leavitt daughter of Thomas 
 Leavitt; he purchased the farm first occupied by Deacon Stephen Dex- 
 ter; made improvements on buildings already erected, adding all necessa- 
 ry outbuildings including a large and finely fiiushed stable. They have had 
 five children one died in early childhood, and Mary H, lived to grow to 
 
26 
 
 perfect womanhood, and thus «^rowin^ grew deeply into the affection 
 of parents and all who knew her. She died recently aged 26 years. 
 
 Fairfield M. the oldest son resides in the west. Charles L. and P'rank 
 reside with their parents on a farm clearly showing admirable culture 
 and care. 
 
 Joseph Bragdon was born Augu-t 10, 1784; died Nov. 20. 1819. By his 
 wife Abigail, sister of Deacon Hunting, he had two sons. Elbridge H., 
 born Jan. 7, 1812 and Enoch H.. born Jan. 2. 1814. Mi. Jacob Wheeler 
 married the widow Bragdon who became the mother of Joseph B. Wheel- 
 er Feb. 28, 1823, who married a daughter of Mr. Fnincis Hill of Exeter, 
 and to whom was born Dr. Leslie Wheeler, a practic.ng physician in 
 Brewer, and Myra Wheeler, a daughter at home. Mr. Joseph B. Wheel- 
 er has many years served as one of the Selectmen of Corinth, has been a 
 member of our State Legislature, owns the farm once occupied by Gen. 
 I. Hodsdon, and has recently added thereto the farm of the late Elijah 
 Skinner, Jr., making a large and desirable homestead. 
 
 Elbridge H. Bragdon in early life demonstrated the practical energies 
 of the man, was a mechanic, farmer, merchant, post master, and ad- 
 mirably raised an interesting family. Ora. liis oldest, died while in trade 
 in Boston. Oressa S. resides in Boston, and for many years has been en- 
 gaged in the Department of the Post Office, and while possessing the 
 strong native business abilities of manhood, nature,, grace and education 
 have given her those pleasing qualifications so much admired in woman- 
 hood, Mary E. Bragdon, the second daughter, resides with her father, 
 and devotes her energies in caring for an only living parent whose life 
 is seemingly blended with her own existence. 
 
 Addie L. E. Bragdon, the youngest, having studiously gleaned knowl- 
 edge from books found in institutions of human teachings, recently en- 
 tered that higher class, where Eternity's readings are from the Book of 
 Life. 
 
 Enoch H. Bragdon, the younger brother of Elbridge H. Bragdon. was 
 a man remarkable for his industry, and the presence of the Hunting 
 blood was early apparent. He married Sarah, the second daughter of 
 Elijah Skinner, and the pleasant home they occupied, (being greatly im- 
 proved) was that made by Mr. Jacob Wheeler for his own residence. 
 When citizens could enlist Mr. Bragdon in any enterprise, success was 
 assured. Mr. Bragdon had four children, two died during the life of the 
 father, and when he was called, he was in readiness, sorrowing only in 
 the leaving of a wife and two children, who are still living, viz., Charles, 
 the eldest, possessing largely of his father's qualifications, a man prompt 
 in action in all matters deemed by him to be right ; and Emma, the 
 daughter, the meek child of sober thought; our world is better for her 
 existence. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Skinner, our patriarchal Daniel, kindred in spirit and life to 
 the Chaldean Daniel, called Belshazzar, was born in Mansfield, Massa- 
 chusetts, June 29, 1744; died in Corinth in 1841. During the year 1793 
 Mr. Daniel Skinner erected in township No. 2 a cabin of large dimen- 
 sions, which was long occupied by his family, and wns at all times the 
 welcome residence of the stranger ; and this home became inexpressibly 
 dear to many. There could perhaps have been found a people who bet- 
 ter understood the qualities of soil, and could avail themselves of ad- 
 vantages with skill Infinitely supeiior, but for puritj' of manners, warmth 
 of affection, kindness and courtesy, they home in the humble residence of 
 the original Skinner family, from whose rough cabin the first smoke ever 
 rose among lofty elms and proud pineries of the township. Here our 
 
2.7 
 
 ])aivnt Daniel and Ins houseliold worshipped, here the devotional prayer 
 was ottered, and sweet the hymning of praise mingling wi*h the mellow 
 tones of worshipping natnre. 
 
 Mr. Skinner was a christian and philanthropist, and while he loved his 
 township and its people, he deemed the world his country, and his coun- 
 trymen all mankind. He lived the christian's life, he died the chris- 
 tian's death. In a file of manuscripts mai'ked "1841" was recently found 
 the following lines purporting to have been "written at the grave of Mr. 
 Daniel Skinner on the day of his burial." 
 
 Take, bounteous eaith. within thj^ bosom dear, 
 
 Our christian guide, and faithful pioneer; 
 
 Take the paternal heart beneath the soil. 
 
 In kind remembrance of his life long toil; 
 
 Who tirst enriched and ornamented thee, 
 
 With many a shrub and ornamental tree; 
 
 And lured" the streams to fall in artful showers, 
 
 Upon thy thirsty herbs and fainting flowers. 
 
 First in the Spring he taught the rose to rear. 
 
 First in the Autumn culled the ripened pear; 
 
 Plis vines were envied all the country round. 
 
 And favoring heaven showered plenty on his giound ; 
 
 Therefore, kind earth, reward him in thy breast. 
 
 With a green covering, and an easy rest. 
 
 P. 
 
 Asahel Skinner, eldest son of Daniel Skinner, was born in Massachu- 
 setts, August 22, 1771, and with his father's family, moved into Corinth 
 in 1793. married Phebe Gould and lived in Corinth until about the year 
 1818, when he left for the State of Ohio, taking with him his family of 
 thirteen children. He recently died, being the father of twenty-one chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Elijah Skinner was born Sept. 22. 1779; died April 18, 1857. For his 
 tirst wife he married Sarah Fisher, of Canton. Mass. by whom he had ten 
 children. 
 
 Nathan F.. the eldest, was born April 23, 1804, died June 29, 1820. 
 
 Nancy, the widow of Capt. Ephraim Whitney, once of Corinth, now 
 of California, was born May 25, 1806, and still lives. 
 Elijah Skinner, Jr.. born May 19, 1809, died Feb. 10, 1881. 
 
 Sarah Skinner is now the widow of the late Enoch H. Bragdon. 
 
 AlvJn Skinner died January 13, 1861. 
 
 Mary Skinner is the wife of Aaron French. 
 
 Harriet Skinner, deceased. 
 
 Elijah Skinner for his second wife married Nancy Budge, widow of 
 Capt. James Budge of Bangor, bj^ whom he had one child, George F. 
 Skinner, who was born Nov. 12. 1829. and the said George F., and his son' 
 and only child. Frank H. Skinner, reside upon a portion of the farm first 
 occupied by Daniel Skinner in 1793. 
 
 George F. Skimier married Sarah J. Deering, a practical seamstress 
 and taxidermist. Both father and son are excellent farmers and or- 
 chardists. Frank H. Skinner married Eva M. Gay of Charleston. 
 
 Mason Skinner, the youngest son of Daniel Skinner, married Rebecca 
 Batchelder. They had eleven children, and all deceased excepting John B. 
 Skinner, residing at Veazie. 
 
 Isaac Hodsdon died in Corinth May 24, 1864. 
 
 Nathan Hodsdon died in Corinth, May 3, 1848, leaving a widow ad- 
 
28 
 
 vancedin year?, yet retaining lier mental faculties in a wonderful dejifree. 
 His son Charles Hodgdon is one of Corinth's merchants. 
 
 Mr. Enoch Marshall and wife are spending a very quiet life on the 
 premises once the home of Alvin Skinner. 'J'he store once Skinner's but 
 more recently occupied by E. H. Bragdon as store and Post Office is 
 now unoccupied. 
 
 Mrs. Comins, whose first husband was Alonzo Batchelder. manages 
 with nnich skill her homestead premises, and fully demonstrates the fact 
 that if it is not good for man to live alone, icoman can. 
 
 Upon the pleasant premises occupied by J. Bailey during his life, now 
 lives his widow, and the youngest daughter so intent administering 
 to the wants of an invalid mother, that he wanting a wife fails in obtain- 
 ing the hand of Clara. 
 
 Upon the bank opposite the plat of meadow, once the home of a large 
 family of beavers, and where in af er time stood the wigwam of the In- 
 dian Pierre Paul, lives now Mr. Boutell who, when occasion requires, 
 leaves the culture of his grounds, and plies the hammer of the smith. 
 
 Where stood sixty years ago the shop of Mr. Mason Skinner, now 
 stands the large commodious shop of Mr. Royal Sweet, containing every 
 apparent requisite for the speedy manufacture of repairs of such articles 
 as a farming comnumity require. 
 
 The homestead of the late Richard Palmer is the residence of Charles 
 H. Hodgdon. 
 
 Charles A. Robinson was born in Corinth in 1837: — in boyhood he was 
 an industrious gleajier of incidents and facts, saw whatever came with- 
 in his observation, and in the storehouse of memory deposited what he 
 deemed might be useful in coming manhood, thus becoming self edu- 
 cated. In early life he served two years in the navy, and after the close 
 of the war, settled in Corinth, and was and now is engaged in stone cut- 
 ting, including both rough and monumental work. 
 
 In 1865 he married Miss Louisa Ide — they have no children. In all 
 business matters he is a practical man, and is chairman of the Selectmen 
 of his town. 
 
 Mr. Albert Ide and Albert Jr. reside in comfortable homes of their 
 own providing and construction, and enjoy that tranquility of mind 
 known only to lovers of peace, 
 
 Mr. Samuel Cressy died in Corinth, Oct. 30, 1882, aged 75 years, leav- 
 ing a widow and three children. Rev. Charles Cressy, the son of Mr. 
 Samuel Cressy possessed more than ordinary abilities and became a 
 highly esteemed minister of the Methodist denomination, and his death 
 which occurred Dec. 21, 1881 , at Hampton, Iowa, occasioned much sorrow. 
 He was a man of energy in the pulpit and of pleasing social address. 
 He married Miss Delia S. Robinson, daughter of John L. Robinson, for- 
 merly of Cornith, who died some months before her husband. They 
 leave three children, a son of fifteen years and two tiaughters of less 
 years. 
 
 The town road leading directly w est from Corinth Methodist meeting 
 house, after passing farms of J. B. Wheeler and C. B. Bragdon, leads 
 you to the neighborhood known as the Thomas Bean settlement, and you 
 pass farms of R. FoUey, A. French, A. Johnson, R. Doe, H. Clark,*^ J. 
 Hersom and O. Jaqueth. 
 
 These are good farms and well cultivated ; that of Richard Doe shows 
 the working of the leaven in the entire measure of Doe soil, and horses 
 and stock tell of excellent care, in this neighborhood orchards are 
 excellent. 
 
29 
 
 Ue who ill boj'hood's days had his play ground amid the once a<*tive 
 scenes of l)nilding our township, will, in his present walks see the t*u>\- 
 steps of decay. The dwellin": of Doctor William Peabody was a small 
 low posted house of one story, always a busy house, being occupied as 
 the family home, the store. tlie tavern house and the apothecary's shop, 
 for here the Doctor com()ounded and caretully mixed his own medi- 
 cines makin<^ himself daily better acquainted with, and the elfect«^ of 
 every ino;redient usnd and studiously attending to that which many 
 a student to-day bestows scarce a thought, viz.. study. 
 
 The pleasant residence of the Oakman Brothers was alternately the 
 honie of Lemeul Tozier, Royal Clark, Mark Trafton. 
 
 The home of Simon White was the first residence of Benjamin Tib- 
 betts afterwards of ('. Hersey. 
 
 The Lucus family live where first lived Mr. Abner Tibbetts. at the 
 Goodhue corner, where once a shop, store. Tavern House, etc., built b}^ 
 Mr. Robinson were in requisition, little now is being accomplished; near 
 this corner, on the nuid leading to the Skinner Settlement, stands that 
 ancient mommient of times tender mercy, the house long the home of 
 Mr. William Ilannnond and his numerousfamily ; and here lived Miss Eliza 
 Hammond who became the wife of our early school teacher, Thomas 
 Bean, aiid the fond mother of Edwin Bean, now growing popular in the 
 office of Sheriff, and Doctor Charles Bean of Chelsea. Mass., still grow- 
 ing to fleshy notoriety, weighing at the time of this writing 450 pounds. 
 
 The promises once occupied by Dirk Fleischman, afterwards by C. 
 Bunker, then T. Hersey. is now the well managed farm of Isaac Duren, 
 giving large crops of excellent hay. The adjoining farm known as the 
 Barter premises has been greatly iin proved by its present owner. Ri<^h- 
 ard Bailey, and made the pleasant residence of a verv industrious fam- 
 ily- 
 Here the main road, which for many miles is the dividing line between 
 Coiinth and Levant, leaves said town line, and runs wholly on lands of 
 Levant to Keiiduskeag Village, while the line severing the two towns of 
 Corinth and Kenduskeag, is still the road passing the ancient farm made 
 by Mr. Joseph Stevens, the brick maker, the shoe maker, and the 
 farmer. 
 
 Mr. Andrew G. Fitz, the surveyor, lives upon a portion of said farm, 
 and Captain Joseph Stevens, eldest son of the senior Stevens, lives upon 
 the remaining portion of the original homestead, so divided as to make 
 two valuable farms, and near the residence of Capt. Stevens, lives his son 
 George, upon a farm fertile as are all the farms upon this road. 
 
 The large homestead of Eliphalet Packard has at all times been a pay- 
 ing farm, the soil at all times seemingly willing to loan its accumula- 
 ting wealth to him seeking it, teaching life's lessons, which were thus 
 demonstrated. A neighbor asks the veteran farmer for the loan of a few 
 hundred dollars. but he had none on hand, the son was short by reason of 
 recent loans, but the daughter, having no husband to provide for, from 
 funds of her own. happily loaned the amount desired. 
 
 That the farm where lived and died Mr. William Tibbetts. is carefully 
 cultivated by its present owner, Mr. Albana F. Dodge, is manifest from 
 the liberal planting of trees upon the road side. 
 
 Mr. Moses Mudgett. having spent a long life in the faithful perform- 
 ances of all life's duties, and finding his days nearly closed, gave to the 
 living wife liberally of his personal property, bequeathing to his daugh- 
 ters to whom he was greatly attached, his real estate, and then quietly en- 
 tered his homestead in his burial grounds, and quiet is his resting place. 
 
^0 
 
 Mr. (Jharles Bean, having made an exchange of farms, and given in 
 place of himself, Mr. Ormaii Eastman, a worthy citizen, the exchange is 
 deemed to be no robbery. 
 
 Mr. George Tibbetts has been fortunate in procuring a very desirable 
 farm; in the lirst place, his early and original purchase was judicious, 
 and secondly the descent by law of the Black farm to the same family, 
 tlius making one ownership of the two premises. 
 
 Mr. Reuben Goodwin and family live in the quiet enjoyment of fert le 
 premises long their home, making such occasional additions thereto as 
 good husbandry suggests. 
 
 Here also resides tne frugal widow Jael Coffin, remembering her sons 
 slain in battle, and gratefully receiving the pension of her government. 
 
 The farm of Benjamin O. Budge is the residence of most of the 
 Bodge family, who cultivate the farm in its season, deal in purchase and 
 sale of live stock, and also from their slaughter house send dressed 
 meats to the Boston markets. 
 
 The farm once occupied by Stephen Barker and afterwards by A. 
 Norton is now the tidy home of Zimri McKusick on which good f( nces 
 and a new and linely tinished dwelling house is just completed, and if 
 you would see a happy family ''^ whose works praise them" call at Mr. 
 McKusick's. 
 
 Daniel B. Dexter with his two sons (farmers and mechanics) and there 
 families 'live upon the farm made by Chase Elden. near the Bridge cross- 
 ing the Kenduskeag Stream. In its present owners, the large farm 
 finds the industry and ability necessary for its profitable culture. The 
 widow of Chase Elden occupies the premises recently owned by the 
 Messrs. Dexters. 
 
 For many years rtow gone in the dwelling of the Kennie family on 
 the '4iorse back." a mother was wont to give judicious instructions to 
 her children, who now ''rise up and call her blessed." 
 
 Mr. Benjamin Dyer venerable in years and remarkable for industry, 
 still cultivates the earth, and watches the heavens, scanning the worlds 
 upper stories, that he may find among the "fixed stars," some star "out 
 of fix," against which the straying comet may come in contact and pro- 
 duce a sinash up. Mr. Dyer is well cared for in the family of his son 
 Martin F., whose ever active wife, little regarding the old gentleman's 
 prophecy, wears now as ever a cheerful, happy face while discharging 
 her household, of the duties of wife and mother. 
 
 Sorrow has recently entered the family of our neighbor James Brack- 
 ett, whose wife after passing through much acute suffering,has entered in- 
 to rest. Mrs. Brackett was the daughter of Capt. Isaac Ball, whose memory 
 was always dear and whose household was the abode of that peace which 
 was so much sought among our early settlers. Mr. Brackett and family 
 have their home with us and when we find those deserving more our re- 
 spect, we will make a note of the fact, and enclose it in (Bracketts). 
 
 The premises long ago occupied by Capt. Nathan Herrick, afterwards 
 by Chase Elden(the Potter), is now the pleasant residence of H.Whittier. 
 The glazed coating of pottery, being skillfully applied to the brick con- 
 stituting the outer wall of the house, gives it not only a beautiful crysta- 
 lized appearance, but protects it from devastation of time and storm. 
 
 The buildings recently destroyed by lightning were originally the 
 home of Benjamin Ball, Esq., but at the time of burning were owned and 
 occupied by Mr. Clifford Shores, who with commendable fortitude is now 
 rebuilding upon the spot so hastily made desolate by lightning-s touch. 
 Mr. Shores now occupies the house of the Fuller family. 
 
AS STATS 
 
 31 
 
 The house built by Mr. Reubeu Ball, and where he Uvecl during liisac* 
 tive life, is now the home of Mr. John Ilerrick whose broad wing of, 
 Philanthrop}' gives kindly shelter to many needing protection. ^ 
 
 Ff >etion sometimes assutnes tiie garb of history, thus; a child loving; 
 ' mU(^ a medical man. and hearing her doctor was ill. exclaimed "Oh; 
 mother. I am sure he will die, for hi? is a careless mun and has probably 
 taken a portion of his own medicine through mistake. 
 
 The physician of eminence can bear such an insinuation, while the 
 mere pretender to medical skill hates even the duck for constantly pro- 
 nouncing his profession. 
 
 The house built by David A. Gove and occupied by him as a dwelling 
 and Post Otlice at East Corinth is now the residence of Moses Goss. 
 
 The house erected by Heman S. Jackson, and where lived and died, 
 * H*^nry K. Dexter now resides Timothj^ McDonald, many years the Co^ 
 partner in trade of the said Dexter. Mr. McDonald has at all times sus- 
 tained the reputation of a man of sterling worth, and though we have no 
 Price Current of such men as were required to save Sodom. Yet Mr. 
 McDonald and nine others of like value would have saved the doomed 
 city from destruction. 
 
 The house vacated by the recent death of Hon. John Thissell. is now 
 occupied by Charles Thissell the only living child of the deceased. 
 
 The house and premises long since' built by Mr. John B. Nichols is the 
 residence of Mr. G. F. Hill, who has added much to the beauty of build- 
 ings and grounds since his purchase. Mr. Hill has been a member of the 
 Legislature, and a Deputy Sheriff of his County. 
 
 Ira W. Davis, Attorney at law resides in the house of the late Joshua 
 Ha wes, office in C. E. Edmund's Block. 
 
 A few days previous to the decease of our esteemed friend Mr. Eph- 
 riam M. Gerry he spake tenderly of the wife, the son and the sons wife 
 and Wt^ infant and said he could not find words fully expressing their 
 worth. 
 
 The good man has gone, and business and sympathy has made us ac- 
 quainted with those he prized so much, and we plainly see the impossi- 
 bility of finding suitable words for an appropriate Inventory of the in- 
 mates of his household. 
 
 Edwin R. Bean owns and occupies the premises recently occupied by 
 Joseph Hen-ick and is a Deputy Sheriff of this County. 
 
 McDonald and Savage occupy the store lately occupied by Dexter & 
 McDonald, where they keep a large and carefully selected stock of such 
 goods as are wanted by farmers and mechanics. Purchasers say that 
 those who buy at this store buy safely. 
 
 A. D. Drummond has purchased the Mitchell place, once owned by 
 E. E. Bean. 
 
 The cider mill, grist mill, saw mill and other machinery moved by steam 
 power, and built by VV. \{. Clark, are leased to James Copp, and the 
 dwelling house of the saidClark is occuipied by J. W. Junkins. 
 
 That very desirable farm owned and occupied many years since by Mr. 
 Aaron Gould, is now the property of the town, and known as the Town 
 Farm. 
 
 The farm made and long occupied by Mr. William Gay, has now 
 passed by purchase into the hands and become the homestead of Mr. 
 Edwin A. Cole. who, for honesty of purpose, truthfulness of speech, and 
 benevolence in action, demands what we cheerfully accord him viz., 
 a hearty welcome to his new home. 
 
32 
 
 There have been in town eleven suicides — The first was on May l")' 
 1815, by the drowning of Miss Louisa Knight, aged 20 years — in the 
 Croolced Brook — Mis.s Knigiit was tlie personitication of a happy girl 
 hood life — a sudden cloud appeared in t e mental horizon of her brain, 
 hiding from her the presence of her Maker, and she, destroyed that 
 life. 
 
 Should the stranger ask why there are in town at least three energetic 
 accomplished, and intelligent unmarried females, to one unmarried male 
 we answer, that some years since the young ladies resolved that their 
 good sense had taught them, that to reject an offer of mariiage is far 
 better than to accept husbands, who. in point of intelligence, are in no 
 respect their equals. Adding to this the fact, that during the War of the 
 Kebellion, girls of genuine patriotism consented that tlieir affianced en- 
 gaged in the battle of their country, nut that they loved their betrothed 
 less, but their country more:, consequently Corinth may be regarded a 
 banking institution for the benetit of those asking for safe matrimonial 
 deposits. Banking hours weekly after religions services. 
 
 Mr. Joshua Herrick, one of the four men who commenced on one and 
 the same day in felling trees for the making Huntii.g Settlement, made 
 a farm on which he lived and died, the same being now occupied by his 
 son ; Mr. Herrick was a man worthy the day in w hich he lived. 
 
 Mr. John Savage is the Agent of several insurance companies and 
 Trial Justice of Corinth. 
 
 Major James Blake removed from Brewer to Corinth in 1818 and pur- 
 chased of Jonathan Snow the large farm so long known as the Blake 
 farm, and owned it during his life and at his decease by will passed to 
 Nabby Blake, wife of the Major, and by her and her family occupied 
 during the life of the. wife, and by her devised equally to her tl.ree 
 unmarried daughters viz., Nancy, Sarah and Mary. 
 
 The farm made and occupied by Colonel Josiah Morrill in Eddy settle- 
 ment is now occupied by Mr. Wm. Blackwell and his two sons and their 
 families — the aged father performing fully the labor of a man of medium 
 years. 
 
 After the Ritchie farm passed into the hands of Mr. John Farrar, it 
 received that attention which made it one of the most desirable farms in 
 the vicinity. Mr. Farrar being himself a practical farmer, and with a 
 family of eight sons, ever ready to give their skilled labor to the stables 
 and cultivated grounds, increase in yield in the products of the farm, and 
 the conveniences of stables was apparent, while wife and daughter ever 
 looking well to the ways of the household, and eating never the bread of 
 idleness, made the entire premises a happy and prosperous home for an 
 intelligent family. 
 
 The morning after the fire which destroyed the entire buildings of Mr. 
 C. D. Chapman, we saw our friend Chapman standing upon the heap of 
 ashes his building had made — there was a pensive shade upon his brow, 
 but he spake not a word — nor did we, but we fancied we saw the ashy 
 semblance of the fabulous bird which Mythology teaches, when con- 
 sumed, builds itself a nest from its ow^i ashes. We left our friend 
 seemingly in deep meditation. Recently we called— the bnil ings in 
 proud beauty were standing where recently laj- the ashes. Chapman 
 had received beauty foi ashes, and his household was happy. A Phoenix 
 genius had accomplished a work, the glimmer of which we fancied we 
 saw^ during his quiet meditation the morning after the tire. 
 
 When it was announced that Mr. Elijah S. Whitney and the entire 
 Whitney family proposed removing to California, there were citizens 
 
who feared that such removal would sensibly effect the future growth 
 and prosperity of the Ridge. To lose those who had been so effective 
 and active in all good words and works, was loshig much; but in no 
 manner did it lesson the energy and usefulness of those remaining ; and 
 success following the timely and prudent foot steps of those now active- 
 ly engaged in giving growth and character to Corinth's Eastern bounda- 
 ry, shows, that at proper times, energy, though half hidden, comes forth 
 and takes her peace in the world's grand workshop. 
 
 That pleasant elevation of grounds on which stand the buildings of 
 Mr. Bridgham, Mr. Bragg and Mr. Mayo, with other buildings in process 
 of erection, when so grouped as to form a nucleus, will demand the ad- 
 miration of those loving the blending of beauty with ulility. Those 
 give not only pleasure to the eye and profit to owners, but aid in largely 
 filling our agricultural halls with flowers of native growth reared by 
 woman's dexterous skill. 
 
 Not only in those gardens of careful culture grow the '"scentful nose- 
 gay" but such growings are ever brewing a sweet fragance and odor, that 
 ascending, maketh glad that Being that planted in the worlds first gar- 
 den, the Tree of Knowledge. 
 
 Corinthians, are to a great extent, practical Utilitarians. They believe 
 with Jeremy Bentham. that the value of all institutions or pursuits is to 
 be tested by the principle of utility. 
 
 Go into our families, and you will find its various members engaged in 
 that pursuit giving profitableness to some valuable end. 
 
 At the house of Mr. J. Ames, the father was manufacturing a harness 
 for a neighbor, while two unmarried children, a son and daughter were 
 teaching our town schools. They belonged to the society of Utilitarians 
 and believed in its principles. 
 
 Mr. J. Dunfree teaching a prime yoke of young oxen the use of the 
 yoke for farming purposes, utility whispered of a higher education for 
 agricultural premium purposes, and both oxen soon advanced in the al- 
 phabet so far as to know •'G." 
 
 Most of our thinking population, belong to this society. Mr. C. Duren 
 when requested so to do. makes our taxes, and when made, helps' pay 
 them. Mr. Stephen Worth, prompted by utility, removed to the farm 
 once the property of Mr. Thissel, and what was Worth performing on his 
 ancient homestead, is now of like Worth in his present home. Our friend 
 Charles Clark the first, works well his farm, and when utility demands 
 the ingenius skill of his handy work, lo ! in his shop his skill and work are 
 hand in hand. 
 
 Men are of times wrongly named. The purest minded man we ever 
 knew in Corinth was named Gile. and owing to that purity and good- 
 ness of heart, an Apostle and your historian and all lovers of truthful ut- 
 terance knowing him well, say of him, "Behold an Israelite indeed in 
 whom thei e is no Guile.'' 
 
 Were it not that our footsteps are tardy in leaving the assemblage of 
 those of graceful conversation, we would invite the reader to call with 
 us upon those we now refer to. and with us in social call drink in those 
 words that come with the grace of utterance — that come as poetry 
 comes, that com? like a timely birth from the thoughtful speaker, musical 
 as the tones of the heart giving it harmony of sound; to such we would 
 gladly listen as in the past, did not those binding words prolong our stay 
 beyond our present purposes, and we should say as did Eve* to Adam, 
 "With thee conversing, we forget all time," and thus offer forgettulness 
 as an apology for tardiness in leaving. No ! reader, we will not violate 
 
34 
 
 the promise of a hasty return, and though having little to say, now say 
 that little. 
 
 For more than half a century we have associated happily with the 
 good citizens of our town at public and so(;ial gatherings and have 
 learned, that speech is among the greatest gifts our Maker gave to man, 
 and that "always with grace" means fitness and truthfulness. 
 
 With us, the ascending of intellect and increasing of information 
 came as come the hours of life, always corning, and if our observations 
 are correct, our women are far more intellectual than the men, partaking 
 largely of that gravity of expression which sits gracefully upon them, 
 enabling them to talk well of novels and poetry, authors and literature, 
 and public institutions, as well as domestic duties ; and it can be said of 
 them, and it is noic spoken, that modesty of manners, delicacy of feeling, 
 sweetness of disposition, unsullied purity of thought, affectionate warmth 
 of heart, moral worth and a deep sense of religion are found in the 
 women who meet in our social gatherings in Corinth. 
 

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