Merrill's History of Greene

The History of Greene

BAPTIST CHURCH. - Rev. James Potter was the first to carry the gospel to these people, and several professed Christ and united with the church in Lewiston. In 1793 a Church of Christ was organized by Elders Case, Potter, and Macomber. "A list of the persons names which were imbodyed in Greene August 15 AD 1793 as a Church of Christ": Lemuel Comins, John Larrabee, Jacob Stevens, Benjamin Cole, Amaziah Reed, John Allen, John Comins, Jonathan Mower, Samuel Brownen, Jairus Phillips, Solomon Comins, Benjamin Parker, Rachel Comins, Jane Larrabee, Mary Daggett, Keziah Cole, Sarah Mower, Mary Herriden, Sally Young, Silance Phillips, Susannah Comings, Rhoda Reed, Anna True, Anna Rackley, Polly Larrabee. Mr Potter visited them frequently until they had a pastor. In 1794, 19 were added to the church. in 1797 Rev. Lemuel Jackson, of Sidney, became pastor, and, soon after he entered upon his duties, a season of mercy added 35 to the church membership. The first deacon was Lemuel Cummings, who was one of the early settlers of the town and a Congregationalist. As the new settlement was then without religious teaching, Mr Cummings suggested that the people should assemble on the Sabbath for worship, and he officiated as leader and held meetings in various dwellings, awakening great interest. When Elder Potter came, Mr Cummings was at first indifferent to the ordinance of baptism, but subsequently he came to a firm belief that "Christ immersed in the river Jordan, as an example and pattern to all his followers." He was baptized by Rev. William Stinson, united with the church and served it as deacon until age obliged him to resign. When Rev. Paul Coffin was here in 1800, he wrote: "The people are half Baptists, one-fourth Methodists, a few Friends, and the rest Congregationalists."

From 1802 to 1808, when the church was without a pastor, Deacon Cummings was a strong leader. In 1805 there was some revival and the church increased. In 1808 Rev. Thomas Wyman preached here for one year; in 1810 Rev. John Daggett ministered to this flock, and continued 10 years. During his pastorate, in 1817, the presence of the Lord was felt, and the church was increased by 60 new members. From 1821 to 1824 the church was again without a pastor, and suffered a loss of members. In 1825 it is said that the publication of Zion's Advocate was decided upon as the state organ of the Baptist church at a conference held in the house of Elijah Barrell. Rev. Daniel Pierce then became pastor, and in 1826 this church was blessed and 74 members were added by baptism. Rev. David Nutter and other ministers in the vicinity aided in this work. Rev. Reuben Ball was here in 1826. Rev. Samuel Fogg supplied from 1828 to 1831; D. P. Bailey from 1833 to 1835; in 1839 Rev. Phineas Pillsbury was pastor, and in 1840 54 were added by baptism. This aged man labored successfully as a preacher for 55 years. He died November 4, 1859. Rev. Martin Byrne came here in the spring of 1846, and preached one year. Rev. Cyrus Case came in February, 1848, and resigned in September, 1852. He died in Patten in 1874. It is said that his last sermon was from the text, "We all do fade as a leaf." Rev. Arthur Drinkwater became pastor in 1854. He was succeeded in the spring of 1857 by Rev. W. T. Sargent, who remained with the church about seven years. During his pastorate between 50 and 60 members were added to the church. He was a very popular pastor, and since he left Greene has frequently visited the town to solemnize marriages, attend funerals, and to baptize. Rev. David Nutter supplied the pulpit most of the time from 1864 to August, 1865, when Rev. T. W. Emerson became pastor. He remained about 18 months, and was succeeded by Dr Wilson, who was with the church during the year 1868. It is said that he visited every family in town and always walked. He was born in Topsham in 1794, graduated from Bowdoin College in 1819, and was the first editor of Zion's Advocate. From 1872, Rev. C. R. Daggett was pastor for about three years. Rev. C. M. Emery came in 1878. During his pastorate the vestry was finished, a parsonage built, and a church debt paid off. April 15, 1882, Rev. Mr Emery closed his labors with this church, and was succeeded by Rev. O. Richardson, who was dismissed September 27, 1885, and went to the North Livermore church. February 14, 1886, Rev. Robert Scott became pastor and continued until April 27, 1890.

Deacons. - The first deacons of the church were Lemuel Cummings and Benjamin Cole, chosen October, 1793. Deacon Cummings was born in Charlestown, Mass., in 1745, and came to Maine in 1775. Lemuel Cummings, Jr, succeeded his father; Deacon Cole served until 1797, when John Larrabee was chosen to fill his place, and retained the office until his death, when Jesse Coburn was chosen. Elijah Barrell was chosen deacon in 1838; Josiah Larrabee, in 1842; James Coffin, in 1850; Silas Sprague, in 1858; Joseph Jackson, in 1858; A. K. P. Mower was deacon in 1872; V. H. Sprague and H. H. Coburn were chosen in 1878. Mr Mower, Mr Sprague, and Mr Coburn are the present deacons. Clerks. - John Allen was chosen clerk, August 17, 1793; John Daggett, Sen., January 10, 1799; Elijah Barrell, March 9, 1820, and was clerk for 37 years; Silas Sprague, December 24, 1857; Virgil H. Sprague, October 17, 1867; W. F. Mower, December 21, 1875; J. M. Jackson, December 31, 1878. Byron G. Hill is the present clerk.

¹THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE was built about 1794. It was located about 15 rods beyond where Leander Patten lives, on the left side of the road leading to William Sprague's house. It stood about four rods from the road, and end to the road. Deacon John Larrabee and his brother Stephen did the joiner work. It was one story high, 10 feet posts, 40 feet long, and about 36 feet wide. There was no steeple or chimney. It was finished outside, but no paint outside or in. It was underpinned with small, loose, flat stones, rough stone door steps. There was a rude post-and-rail fence on three sides, leaving the space next the road open. The outside door was in the center of the front, and was in two parts, opening directly into the house, there being no entry or porch. The inside was wholly unfinished, there being no plastering, not even a loose floor overhead. There was, in one corner of the chamber, a space boarded up, where the town kept its powder for military purposes, with a very small door, secured by a padlock. The desk, or pulpit, was on the back side of the house, opposite the door. It was raised two or three fee above the floor, a plain straight front, and a common board seat, without cushion or carpet. There was one row of pews around the walls - I think 22 in all, eight on the front side, six on the back side, and four on each end, not counting the corner pews twice, the corner pews were each six feet square, the others were all six feet one way, and varied from four to five feet the other. They were raised 10 inches above the floor, and were about four feet high, made of plain boards or panel work. The railing of the pews was a board six inches in width, with an open space of the same width, with small wooden pillars between, about one inch in diameter. There were plain board seats on three sides of the wall pews, the doors were in the center of the pews next the aisle. In the corner pews were four seats, the doors being in the corner. The body or center of the house was occupied by two rows of plank seats. These seats were free to all. The singers sat in one of these seats, there being no gallery. There was a bench in front of the pulpit, called the deacon's bench. There were 12 windows in the house, two each side of the door on the front side, two each side of the pulpit on the back side, and two in each end. Each window contained, I think, but am not certain, 20 panes of 6x8 glass. There was no stove in the house from 1794 to 1825 - 31 years. Meetings were held in the winter season alternatively in the Centre or Coburn school-houses until 1825. The house we now occupy was raised in May, 1827, was dedicated in July, 1828. From 1825 to 1828 they had a stove in the old house. There were no sheds around the house; rain or shine, cold or hot, every post was a hitching-post. Prior to 1810 or 1811, when the first carriage was brought into town by Benjamin Parker, and after, people went to meeting on foot and on horseback in the summer season. There were two sermons, one in the forenoon and on in the afternoon, with an hour's intermission, no Sabbath school. The people nearly all left the house, and went off in different directions, to spend the recess, returning at 1 o'clock. I think the people would not have been willing to have paid the minister more than half price for one sermon, when they could not remember half of that.

¹By John E. Sawyer.

THE FIRST CHURCH BELL in town was raised to its position on the Baptist church. September 21, 1886, in the presence of a large concourse. The first strokes were rung by Mr Isaiah Coburn and Col Augustus Sprague, two of the oldest inhabitants. The bell is a Meneely, weighing 1,000 pounds, and is of fine tone and finsh.

UNIVERSALISM. - The Universalists were quite strong in numbers, and at a meeting held September 11, 1826, "for the purpose of consulting the propriety of building a Meeting House in Greene, to be called the First Universalist Meeting House in the town." A. R. Cutter was chosen moderator, Nathaniel Robbins, clerk, and Joseph Bailey, Luther Robbins, Turner Stetson, Elisha Keen, Caleb Bates, Thomas Longley were chosen a committee to superintend the building of the house. At a meeting in October, Alfred Pierce, Esq., was added to this committee. October 23 a meeting was held at the Centre school-house, and Dr A. R. Cutter was chosen treasurer and collector for the first Universalist Society in Greene, and it was voted to proceed in building the first meeting-house, and this work was carried on to completion. March 28, 1829, this petition for a warrant to be issued was addressed to Alfred Pierce, Esq., one of the justices of the peace: "We the Undersigned Citizens of Maine over twenty-one years of age, being desirous of forming ourselves into a religious Society in the town of Greene, to be called the first Universalist Society of Greene and vicinity hereby request you to issue your warrant directed to one of the undersigned requiring him to notify a meeting of the petitioners to be held at the House of Ammi R. Cutter in Greene on the eleventh day of April next, for the purpose of organizing said Society, choosing such officers and transacting such business as religious societies are by law allowed to have and transact, Ammi R. Cutter, Luther Robbins, Elisha Keen, Joseph Bailey, Silas Richardson, Caleb Bates, David Hooper, Bradford Rose, Turner Stetson, Houghton Sumner, Jonathan Shepley, Elisha Stetson, Nathaniel Robbins, Russell Read, Eleazer Crocker, David Cary, Nathaniel Hill, Alfred Pierce, Reuben Bates, Solomon Brown."

The meeting was held at Dr A R Cutter's house, a constitution was drawn up, accepted April 23, 1831, and signed by Luther Robbins, Caleb Bates, Bradford Rose, Elias Drake, Turner Stetson, Alfred Pierce, Benjamin Allen, Barak Record, Daniel Plumer, Nathaniel Hill, Simeon Rose, Solomon Brown, Jonathan Shepley. Luther Robbins appears as moderator, Nathaniel Robbins as clerk, and Alfred Pierce as treasurer in the records of the early meetings; then come Silas Richardson and Solomon Brown and Luther Robbins again as moderators, Moses Adams as collector, and Isaac N. Thomas, and later Alfred Pierce, as clerk. From the first, meetings were held, preachers employed, and the ministerial fund wisely expended, for 1836 it was voted "not to expend more than one-half the fund the present season." This year the fund belonging to the Universalists was $111.55. This year these clergymen were employed: Rev. Wm A. Drew, Rev. D. T. Stevens, Rev. G. W. Farr, Rev. Jabez Woodman. In 1851 Alfred Pierce was chosen "to represent the Universalist Society on the committee designated by the town at the last annual meeting to be chosen one from each of the religious denominations in said town for the purpose of receiving the money to be distributed from the ministerial fund and apportion the same among the several religious denominations in said town" and Tristram Hill, Henry S. Harris, and Harrison Rose were chosen to expend the proportion coming to this society, which, in 1852. amounted to $70; the Calvinist Baptists receiving $75.48; the Free Baptists, $61.97; and the Methodists, $39.47. No record occurs from September 1, 1851, to August 20, 1860, when Harrison Rose was chosen secretary, and Job Carville, Albion Pierce, John B. Hooper "a standing committee to collect and receive the interest in the ministerial fund voted to be divided at the last annual town meeting."

There were occasional services held, but the society lost its organization and no united effort was made in the interest of liberal Christianity until 1879, when the following indicates a movement which resulted in a new organization, and the keeping up life in this religious direction. March 22, 1879, this

Petition and warrant for a new organization of a Universalist society in Greene was sent to Albion Pierce, a justice of the peace in and for the county of Androscoggin. "The undersigned, each of the age of 21 years or more, and a majority of whom reside in said county, being desirous of becoming an incorporated, parish or religious society, under the name of the First Universalist society in Greene, request you to issue your warrant to one of them, directing him to notify the other applicants to meet at some proper place on the 29th day of March A.D. 1879, for the purpose of organizing such a parish by choosing a clerk and other needful parish officers. Signed by Harrison Rose, Hayden Bigelow, Orin Austin, John E. Parker, George Nutting, Albion Pierce, John B. Hooper, Andrew J. Harris, W. G. Rogers, Jedediah Caswell, Edward Sedgely, Benjamin E. Allen, Elijah S. Daly."

Harrison Rose was directed to call the meeting, which was held at the meeting-house March 29, and Harrison Rose was chosen moderator, Hayden Bigelow clerk, and it was voted to organize a religious society as before mentioned; also voted to accept of a constitution and by-laws read and presented by Hayden Bigelow. Chose Harrison Rose, Albion Pierce, Hayden Bigelow, trustees; Albion Pierce, treasurer; and E. S. Daly, collector. The trustees were instructed to procure a quitclaim deed to the society of original pew-owners as are now living, or as many as possible. April 12, 1879, voted to repair the meeting-house, and April 26 the society voted "to accept of the quitclaim deed of original and present pew-owners of the Universalist meeting-house and request the clerk to have it recorded." August 24, 1880, the membership of the society was increased by the addition of ten persons. September 14 voted to remodel and thoroughly repair the church. This was done at an expense of $550. In 1881 the officers chosen were: Hayden Bigelow, clerk; Dr Albion Pierce, A. J. Harris, Benjamin E. Allen, trustees; Albion Pierce, treasurer; and E. S. Daly, collector. The votes for the years from this time to 1886 concerning the preaching are, "to instruct the trustees to have Sabbath services as they see fit with money in the treasury and by subscription."

THE FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH¹ in Greene was organized April 7, 1826, by this committee, sent from Bowdoin Quarterly Meeting: Rev. Benjamin Thorn, Rev. Samuel Robbins, and Rev. Asa McGray, a visiting elder from Bennington, Nova Scotia. Rev. Samuel Robbins explained the doctrine of the connection usually known as Free Will Baptists, and Rev. Benjamin Thorn explained what was understood to constitute a church in gospel order according to the New Testament, after which these persons formed themselves into the above church: Samuel Bates, Levi W. Merrill, Peter Freeman, Enos Merrill, Azor Merrill, James Cummings, Sally Merrill, Sarah Bates, Betsey Cummings, Naomi Merrill, Sarah Pratt, Abigail Libby, Dorcas Libby, Sally Fogg, Sarah Freeman, and Cynthia Cummings. The right-hand of fellowship was given by Rev. Samuel Robbins, in behalf of the Quarterly Meeting. Rev. Samuel Robbins was chosen pastor of the church, James Cummings, clerk. At a church meeting, September 17, 1827, Luther Robbins and Levi W. Merrill were chosen deacons. A noted revival, under the labors of Elder Robbins, resulted in a large number being added to the membership. In 1828 a church edifice was built in the west part of the town near the river. This church has been blessed with many faithful ministers, who have labored with good results. In 1833, during the pastorate of Rev. Gideon Perkins, several persons were baptized and united with the church. From 1840 to 1842 there was a powerful revival under the labors of Rev. Ebenezer G. Eaton, by whom 58 were baptized and received into the church. In 1846 there was another gracious revival, under the labors of Rev. Jairus Fuller, resulting in 20 being added by baptism to the church. These revivals carried the center of membership away from the former location, near the river, and for several years the meetings were usually held in school-houses, until 1846, when a part interest was purchased in the Universalist church at Greene Corner, where the church worshiped until the erection of the present church building. For five years previous to 1846 the church was in a very low state, and by advice of a council sent from the Quarterly Meeting it was decided to disband and reorganize.

Reorganization. - The church was reorganized in August, 1856, with these members: Timothy Jordan, Clemina Jordan, Oliver Mower, Harriet H. Mower, Samuel R. Lemont, Jane Lemont, Peter Freeman, Prudence Freeman, David Parker, Jane Parker, Thomas Starbird, Harriet Starbird, Samuel W. Longley, Dorcas Ames, Samuel Maxwell, Mary Maxwell, Patience Warren, Joan Adams, Almira Hodgkins, Miriam Keenan, Ann Petengill, Adaline Alexander. Oliver Mower was chosen clerk and served 30 years. Timothy Jordan and Oliver Mower were chosen deacons. The church was re-admitted into Quarterly Meeting, June, 1857, at the June term at Bowdoin. The following year there was much soulful activity under the ministration of Revs. G. Perkins and M. Getchell, and as a result of their labors 34 members were added, by baptism, to the church. In 1864, during the ministry of Rev. O. W. Smith, 26 were baptized and united with the church. A revival in 1867, under the labors of Rev. C. R. Daggett, a resident of Greene, where God's power to save was especially manifested. As a result 40 persons were baptized at one time, 22 by Rev. C. R. Daggett, and 18 by Rev. W. T. Sargent of the Baptist church; 22 uniting with the Free Baptist church. In the fall and winter of 1877-78 there was an unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit under the labors of Charles L. Pinkham, a student of Bates Theological Seminary, a young man full of faith and consecrated to God. The Baptist church united in the work. As a result a large number were converted and many wanderers brought back to the fold; 33 members were added to the church. Through the influence and energy of Mr Pinkham a new church edifice was built the following year and dedicated with free pews and free from debt. The church, under the present efficient pastorate of Rev. George W. Gould, is well united, and members have been added, making the present membership 109; 71 resident and 38 non-resident.

The pastors have been Rev. Samuel Robbins, Rev. Gideon Perkins, Rev. E. G. Eaton (has had several pastorates here), Elder Willey, Rev. Jairus Fuller (has had several pastorates here), Rev. O. W. Smith, Rev. John Miller, Rev. A. S. Prescott, C. R. Daggett (from 1878 to 1889 the church was supplied from Bates Theological Seminary), Rev. George W. Gould. Deacons: Luther Robbins, Levi W. Merrill, David Barker, Cyrus Barker, Timothy Jordan, Oliver Mower, Samuel Maxwell, Leander Patten, Simeon Coburn, Moses G. Beal, John H. Hodgkins, Samuel H. Marrow, Leander Patten, Jr. Clerks: James Cummings, Levi W. Merrill, Luther Robbins, David Barker, Isaac Griffin, Samuel R. Lemont, E. G. Eaton, Oliver Mower, L. M. Mower. Since the reorganization public services have been constantly held on the Sabbath; when without a pastor some of the deacons or members of the church would lead the meeting. There have been many active workers in the early days of the church, among them Deacons Luther Robbins, David Barker, Timothy Jordan, Oliver Mower, Samuel Maxwell, Leander Patten, and Brother S. R. Lemont. There have also been many women of strong intellectual powers and abiding faith, whose constancy and zeal have effected much. Deacon Simeon Coburn and Deacon John H. Hodgkins were constant and active in their service, and it might be truly said of them, they magnified their office. Deacon S. H. Marrow is an efficient worker, especially in the Sabbath schools, extending his efforts outside the church. The Sabbath school has a membership of 50, under the superintendence of Deacon Leander Patten. Mr L M Mower has been chorister for 35 years, and is the present clerk.

¹By Lowell M. Mower

THE METHODISTS occupy the mountain section, the Stetson and the Morse neighborhoods in the north part of the town. Years ago they held regular preaching meetings in the Morse district, but in later years only enough preaching has been done in Greene to secure their proportion of the ministerial fund. The members belong to the Leeds and Greene circuit, which has stated preaching at Keen's Corner and Quaker Ridge in Leeds. They number from 12 to 15, and the more prominent are John Gray and Cyrus Howe (class leaders), Francis Howe, Charles Sylvester.

THE ADVENTISTS have about the same strength in town as the Methodists, with no organization and but occasional meetings.

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS. - The first school was taught in the house of Deacon Lemuel Cummings, one of the first three framed houses which tradition says were raised on the same day and were owned by Benjamin Merrill, Benjamin Merrill, Jr, and Deacon Cummings. The school-room was without floor boards and as there was no cellar the pupils used the floor timbers for seats. This school was taught in 1786 by Captain John Daggett, and for several years he was the teacher in the same room, and one term in the house of John Pettingill. The elite of Lewiston sent their advanced pupils for instruction in the higher branches to Greene in the early days, as tradition again informs us. In 1788 or 1789 a school-house was built on a gravelly knoll near Captain Thaddeus Sawyer's. It had one low story, two small windows, and was very small. The next school-house was built near where Samuel Fogg lives; the existing one being put up about 1825. The first division into districts was made in 1790 when the four cardinal points were represented in their names, and from that time efficient school committees and well-educated teachers were provided.

The early teachers succeeding Captain Daggett were Dr Ammi R. Cutter, Captain Sawyer, Aaron Daggett, Esq., Solomon Stafford, Josiah Larrabee, John Mower, Jr., Samuel and Eli Herrick, Masters West and Sylvester, and John Davis, who was liberally educated, and taught the first high school. The next class of teachers were Tristram Hill, Colonel Augustus Sprague, Elias Adams, Esq., Deacon Oliver Mower, Benson Caswell, Ingerson and Ammi Parker. Nathaniel Sawyer and Ammi Parker were graduates of Bowdoin, and taught in the higher institutions. Ruggles Sylvester was the first son of Greene to graduate from a college, and he taught high schools here. Other teachers were Freeman Lander, John E. Sawyer, Rev. Silas E. Cummings, Silas Sprague (who also taught high schools). John Mower, Alexis Herrick, Captain Aaron Mower, and Ziba A. Gilbert were noted and prominent instructors. Among the valuable female teachers were Clarissa Sylvester, Abigail Bailey, Susan Collier, Abigail Cable, Catherine and Hannah Mulloy, Sarah Cutter (Mrs Isaiah Coburn), Franciana Pratt, Delinda Jackson (who has taught about 100 terms, is an instructor of the highest order, fitting many excellent teachers for their work), Augusta Daggett (a prominent teacher), Mrs Marshall Sawyer, Sedora Hill, Lucinda Harris, Lillie Skillings, Cora Randall, Nettie Pratt, Stella Washburn, Alice Bradbury, and others. Cynthia, Sabrina, and Lydia Allen had much reputation and were able teachers. The town has had its educational interests well cared for. Among the superintending committee have been the best men of the municipality: Tristram Hill, Elias Adams, Thaddeus Sawyer, Aaron Daggett, Stephen W. Sylvester, Freeman Lander, Ingerson Parker, John E. Sawyer, Oliver Mower, Silas Sprague, Col Augustus Sprague, Virgil H. Sprague, Byron G. Hill, Aaron S. Daggett, W. F. Mower, Rev. C. R. Daggett, Greenwood Harris, Dr Albion Pierce, James H. Stetson, Ziba A. Gilbert. Clement S. Stetson is our first able and popular supervisor of schools. Franciana Pratt began teaching when 16, and taught during the summer for 18 years, and most of the winters. She was the first female to teach a winter school, and belongs to the third generation of teachers. Mary Merrill (Mrs John Cummings), also of second generation, was a noteworthy teacher. Captain Aaron Daggett's family of five sons and two daughters were teachers. A. Augusta Daggett taught 20 terms, Rev. Converse R. Daggett over 50 terms, Greenlief Daggett, M.D., 20 terms here and elsewhere. Probably no other family has furnished so many teachers, the members thereof teaching over 25 years. The families of Reuben Stetson, Benjamin Allen, Tristram Hill, and Andrew J. Harris have provided able teachers. Arthur Moulton, Frank Mower, Charles A. Washburn, John Nichols, Charles Nichols, and Ralph A. Parker are graduates of Bates College and teachers in high school and academies. Galen M. Beals is a graduate of Bates, and John Sturgis of Tufts.

TEMPERANCE. - Greene early took a strong stand in favor of temperance, and temperance societies have been well sustained; the active organization of to-day being Hope Lodge, I.O.G.T., which meets Tuesdays. It is said that no liquor has been sold as a beverage in town for fifty years.

REVOLUTION AND THE WAR OF 1812. - Before settling in Greene, Colonel William Sprague, Colonel Jabez Bates, Captain John Daggett, Captain Ichabod Phillips, Jairus Phillips, Luther Robbins, John and Samuel Mower, Thomas More, George Berry, John Allen, Joseph McKenney, Benjamin Alden, Ezekiel Hackett, Batchelor Stetson, and Benjamin Quimby had served in the Colonial Army in the Revolution; and in the War of 1812 Captain Daniel Crossman, Aaron and Luther Mower, Elisha Drake, Abner Merrill, Jacob St Clair, Ammi Larrabee, Thomas Graffam, Edward Parker, Gilbert Chamberlain, Caleb Stetson, Benjamin Pratt, John and Coulard Perham, Joseph Clark, John Adams, Broderic Dillingham, and others went from this town.

MADAWASKA WAR (1839). - John E. Sawyer, Samuel Hackett, Joseph Hackett, Amos Hackett, Ezekiel Hackett, George Austin, Jesse Cummings, Leonard Griffin, Lora B. Stevens, Harrison Rose, Mark Caswell, Wm M. Longley, Oliver P. Hooper, Edward Sedgley, Chas A. Additon, Amos Clark, and Jacob Kimball were members of the company of militia which was ordered to the seat of war, but on arriving at Plantation No. 10, now Masardis, their march was stopped by news of peace.

GREENE IN THE REBELLION. - The town furnished 159 soldiers. 1861, September 28th, the town voted that families left in indigent circumstances by those who had enlisted, be cared for. July 21 voted to pay $70 to each volunteer enlisting to fill up the town's quota of 13 men. September 8 voted to pay each volunteer or drafted man under the last call, $150. 1863, July 8, voted to pay each man enlisting in the army, $50; in the navy, $100; and each drafted man, $200. November 19 voted to pay each volunteer under the last call, $200, and December 26 to pay an additional bounty of $150. 1864, June 25, the selectmen were authorized to pay a town bounty of $25. August 27, voted to advance the state bounties, and to pay a town bounty of $300. August 30 it was reported that 12 men had enlisted, and William M. Longley and J. M. Robbins were chosen to recruit. December 12, voted to pay volunteers or substitutes $300 for three years, $200 for 2 years, and $100 for one year. 1865, February 11, voted to increase the town bounty $100, if necessary, to raise the quota. April 1 the selectmen were authorized to fill the town's quota on the most reasonable terms. September 25, voted to refund the money subscribed by the Soldiers' Fund Society used in filling the quota of August, 1864.

CENTENNIAL. - August 23, 1888, the centennial of the organization of Greene was celebrated with great enthusiasm by a large assembly on Daggett's Hill. Excellent preparations had been made by the committee of arrangement, who were: Eli Hodgkins, Albion Pierce, M.D., Byron G. Hill, V. H. Sprague, Charles A. Bradbury, C. M. Washburn, Clement S. Stetson, H. Scott Parker, John E. Sawyer, Captain Andrew J. Harris, F. N. Mower, Rev. C. R. Daggett. Addresses were made by Rev. S. S. Cummings, Rev. Selden Gilbert, Rev. C. M. Emery. Hon. Ziba A. Gilbert gave the address of welcome, Silas Sprague read a poem, and Mrs. Annie C. Pratt, wife of John F. Pratt, M.D., of Chelsea, Mass., gave a historical sketch of the town, concluding with an original poem.

LONGEVITY. - The long list of persons who have lived to a ripe old age in Greene is an eloquent testimonial to the pure air and pleasant climate. Mr. Lowell M. Mower gives us the name of these persons who have attained an age of over 80 years, within a square mile from the school-house in district No. 6: John Mower, nearly 95; Philip Keenan, 94, a pensioner of the War of 1812; Mrs Mary Mower, 93; Mrs Julia Johnston, 90; Mrs Jemima Ranlett, 94; Mrs Rebecca Mower, 90; Mrs Thomas Lang, 88; Susannah Adams, 86; Mehitable Mower, 93; Rev Benjamin B. Murray, 84, father of U. S. Marshal Benjamin B. Murray, Jr, the champion teacher, and at one time the leading Universalist clergyman of Maine; Joseph Manson and his wife in the house south of the school-house; Isaac Furbush, 80, in the next house but one towards the depot; next, Mrs Jane Ellms, 86, the next but one on the left; Isaiah Coburn, 94, and his wife, Sarah, 91, who drew a map of Maine of which our modern draughtsmen might be proud. At the depot, Leonard Mower, 82; Mrs Lydia R. Mower, 94, a daughter of Luther Robbins; the father of the "Bettermment Act," Jonathan Mower, 86; Samuel Mower, 86; Jonathan Mower, 2d, 83; William Mower, 83; Mrs Lydia T. Mower, 85; Mrs Abigail Thomas, 86; and Major John B. Hooper, 80. In 1888, besides these, we find these octogenarians and others living in Greene: Mr Lewis, aged 90; Margaret Pickett, 89; Oliver Mower, 84, the oldest member of the legislature when he represented the town; Mr Hodgkins, 84; Col Augustus Sprague, 83; Daniel Quimby, 83; Mr Hawes, 82; Reuben Rae, 82; Mr Quimby, 89; In the pleasant cemetery at Greene Corner, within a very short distance of each other lie the bodies of Rev. Phineas Pillsbury, aged 92 years 8 months; Hon. Elijah Barrell, aged 83; Rev. David Nutter, aged 81; Isaiah Coburn, aged 92 years 9 months; Stephen Rackley, aged 93 years 8 months.

BURYING GROUNDS. - In 1805 four burying grounds were laid out: one at Greene Corner, one in the Peary neighborhood, one near Capt. Crossman's, and one on the Mountain. The first persons buried at the corner were the wife of John Pettingill and wife of Benjamin Pratt. The cemetery at the corner has a much more favorable location than the others, and, about 1872, was enlarged, and, through the especial interest of Amos Clark, was much improved, beautified, and enclosed by a substantial and ornamental fence, and from that time it has been kept in fine condition.

THE PHYSICIAN. - Dr George L. Peaslee was born at Gilmanton, N.H., in 1828. He was educated for his profession at Gilmanton and Concord, N.H., received his degree of M.D. in Castleton, Vt, and practiced medicine in Wilton and Auburn, Me. In 1882 he located in Greene, where he has an extensive farm, and still retains his residence in Auburn. Dr Albion Pierce. [See sketch.] Dr Frank E. Sleeper is a resident of Greene, but is more identified with the village of Sabattus, of which the southeastern portion of Greene forms a part.

ORCHARDING AND ORCHARDISTS. - About 1850 orcharding became an extensive and remunerative occupation, and the chief industry of the town. The favorite varieties of apples raised are the Baldwins, Northern Spy, Tompkins-County King, Bellflower, Roxbury Russet, and Ben Davis. The fruit is of fine quality, and from its valuable keeping properties brings the highest prices for European markets. John C. Mower, Charles Richardson, Wilbur F. Mower, Alfred P. and Alfred A. Mower, Wm M. Longley, Albion Mower, Ziba A. Gilbert, A. B. Donnell, Wallace W. Mower, H. W. Blaisdell, R. S. Carville, and H. H. Coburn are the largest raisers, each producing in a productive season from 200 to 500 barrels of merchantable fruit. A number of young orchards have been set out in late years, Dr. Peaslee having one of 1,000 trees; E. L. Mower and W. W. Stetson one of 300, and large additions have been made to old orchards. Dairying is an important industry. Among those carrying it on most extensively are Z. A. Gilbert, John L. Howe, D. B. Wiley, F. B. Hammond, A. B. Parker, Fred B. Parker, W. A. Hoyt, Wm H. Maxwell, Andrew J. Harris, Hayden Bigelow, and Dr. G. T. Peaslee. Dr Peaslee is paying attention to Holstein stock and Mr Wiley to Guernsey and Jersey cattle.

MERCHANTS. - Everett L. Mower has been in trade at Greene Station since 1861. Howard W. Gamage has dealt in flour, grain and feed since 1882, and has a grocery. Alden Sawyer began trade in 1888.

SOME SMART THINGS DONE BY GREENE MEN. - Aaron Stevens mowed two acres of heavy grass, a part of it lodged, one morning before breakfast, between the hours of 3 and 7 o'clock, and carried the swaths, some of them being 13 feet wide. A Mr Additon (Isaiah B. Additon's grandfather) traveled some five miles, felled two acres of first or old growth woods in one day, and carried two bushels of corn meal home on his shoulder for pay at night. Benjamin Stevens bound one acre of wheat for Thomas Longley within seven minutes. It was brought together in rows and lain in bands. Mr Stevens bound the first bundle, threw it over his head high in the air and before it fell to the ground he bound another and threw it the same way, and thus kept two bundles in the air till it was all bound. Joseph Hackett pitched one ton of hay of an ox-cart up to a common barn scaffold in four minutes and a few seconds; was done on a bet that he could not in seven; hay not weighed, but agreed to as a ton. Mr Hackett took the bet and rum (one gallon). He also cut one cord of wood from one picked tree in 55 minutes, split it, and piled it. (John Stevens timed him, he said, correctly. John Harris and Calvin Briggs mowed a field of 19 acres, less one acre for bushes and buildings, or 18 acres in one day. They commenced at sunrise and ended at sunset, tended to business, and spoke not a word. The first shingle sawn in this state was sawn by Marcus Gilbert, of this town, at the outlet of Allen Pond in Greene. This Mr Gilbert was a remarkably fine carpenter and toolmaker. He made a set of bench planes which took the first premium in New York City at the State Fair of New York. Ahira Gilbert and Elisha Sampson were also fine, expert joiners. At a trial in making a common four panel 2'-6"x6'6" door (1 inch or 1 ¼ inches thick), taking the lumber in the rough and doing the work all by hand, they each completed a door in two hours, and no difference in time or their motions could be discovered. It was said to be like clock work. [Contributed by Frank N. Mower]

NATIVES OF GREENE WHO HAVE ATTAINED PROMINENCE ELSEWHERE:¹

Sewall Allen,² Waterville physician; Lewis Beals,² physician; Abial D. Crossman,² New Orleans, first mayor of; Silas Cummings, Somerville, Mass., preacher; Aaron S. Daggett, Auburn, officer in the Rebellion and U.S.A.; William F. Eaton, Portland, preacher; Alanson B. Farwell,² Augusta, lawyer; Selden Gilbert, preacher; Moses H. Harris, Chicago, Universalist D.D.; William H. Haskell, Falmouth, Congregational minister; Silas H. Haskell,² Newtonville, Mass., teacher in Boston; Winfield S. Hill, Augusta, physician; Holman Jennings, New Jersey, physician; Lindley F. Lemont,² Lewiston, captain (who was shot with the most bullets); Benjamin Longley,² Portland, expressman; Duane Mower,² South Carolina, merchant; Alonzo Mower,² Worcester, Mass., machinist; Frank O. Mower, San Francisco, teacher; Eugene S. Mower, New York City, coal dealer; Thomas D. Mower, East Saginaw, Mich., city marshal; Ammi Parker,² graduate of Bowdoin, lawyer; John F. Pratt, Chelsea, Mass., physician; Calvin B. Robbins,² New Orleans, accountant; John M. Robbins, Lewiston, railroad contractor and banker; Averson G. Robbins,² Gardiner, machinist and mathematician; Nathaniel L. Sawyer,² Gardiner, lawyer, graduated at head of his class at Bowdoin College; Oliver M. Sprague, Turner, physician; Silas Sprague, Auburn, register of deeds; Henry M. Sprague, Auburn, adjuntant-general; Wm W. Stetson, Auburn, teacher; Herbert Lee Stetson, D.D., Des Moines, Ia., president Des Moines College; Almon H. Wilkins,² Illinois, superintendent of schools; Chas. A. Washburn, Augusta, teacher.

¹Contributed by Frank N. Mower

²Deceased

CIVIL LIST. - 1788 - Benjamin Merrill, 3d, clerk; Benjamin Merrill, Sen., Lemuel Comins, John Larrabee, John Daggett, Benjamin Alden, selectmen. 1789 - Benjamin Merrill, 3d, clerk, Lemuel Comins, Benjamin Merrill, Sen., John Daggett, John Larrabee, Benjamin Alden, selectmen. 1790-1791 - Benjamin Merrill, 3d, clerk; Benjamin Merrill, John Larrabee, John Daggett, selectmen. 1792-1793 - Benjamin Merrill, 3d, clerk; John Daggett, Benjamin Alden, Luther Robbins, selectmen. 1794 - Benjamin Merrill, 3d, clerk; John Daggett, Luther Robbins, Solomon Bates, Jr, selectmen. 1795 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Luther Robbins, Ammi R. Cutter, selectmen. 1796 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Benjamin Alden, John Allen, selectmen. 1797 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Luther Robbins, Benjamin Alden, selectmen. 1798 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Benjamin Merrill, Esq., Benjamin Alden, selectmen. 1799-1800-1801-1802 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Benjamin Merrill, Esq., Luther Robbins, selectmen. 1803 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; Benjamin Merrill, William Doan, John Allen, selectmen. 1804 - James Nelson, clerk; William Doan, John Daggett, Luther Robbins, selectmen. 1805 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, William Doan, Luther Robbins, selectmen. 1806 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; William Doan, John Daggett, Isaac Beals, selectmen. 1807 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, Silas Richardson, Zebedee Shaw, selectmen. 1808 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; John Daggett, William Doan, Zebedee Shaw, selectmen. 1809 - Luther Robbins, clerk; John Daggett, William Doan, Zebedee Shaw, selectmen. 1810 - Luther Robbins, clerk; John Daggett, Luther Robbins, Benjamin Alden, selectmen. 1811 - Luther Robbins, clerk; Luther Robbins, Benjamin Alden, Silas Richardson, selectmen. 1812-1813 - Ammi R. Cutter, clerk; William Doan, John Daggett, Zebedee Shaw, selectmen. 1814-1815-1816-1817 - John Daggett, Jr, clerk; Luther Robbins, Benjamin Alden, Zebedee Shaw, selectmen. 1818-1819 - Aaron Mower, clerk; Moses Sprague, Aaron Daggett, Aaron Mower, selectmen. 1820-1821 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Moses Sprague, Elijah Barrell, Nathaniel Robbins, selectmen. 1822-1823 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Moses Sprague, Aaron Mower, Josiah Larrabee, selectmen. 1824 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Aaron Daggett, Silas Richardson, Thaddeus Sawyer, selectmen. 1825 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Moses Sprague, Silas Richardson, Aaron Mower, selectmen. 1826-1827 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Moses Sprague, Aaron Daggett, Josiah Larrabee, selectment. 1828-1829 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Nathaniel Harris, Alfred Pierce, selectmen. 1830 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Nathaniel Harris, Josiah Larrabee, selectmen. 1831 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Moses Sprague, Nathaniel Robbins, selectmen. 1832 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Nathaniel Harris, Solomon Brown, selectmen. 1833 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Solomon Brown, Tristram Hill, selectmen. 1834 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Solomon Brown, Tristram Hill, Lewis Gilbert, selectmen. 1835 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Moses Sprague, Solomon Brown, selectmen. 1836 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Alfred Pierce, Moses Sprague, Solomon Brown, selectmen. 1837 - Nathaniel Robbins clerk; Benjamin Allen, Moses Sprague, Tristram Hill, selectmen. 1838 - Alfred Pierce, clerk; Alfred Pierce, Benjamin Allen, Tristram Hill, selectmen. 1839 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Nathaniel Robbins, Stephen Myrick, Jr, Augustus Sprague, selectmen. 1840 - Nathaniel Harris, clerk; Benjamin Allen, John Stevens, Tristram Hill, selectmen. 1841 - Nathaniel Robbins, clerk; Augustus Sprague, Joseph Richmond, Ingerson Parker, selectmen. 1842 - Nathaniel Harris, clerk; Tristram Hill, Augustus Sprague, Ingerson Parker, selectmen. 1843 - Nathaniel Harris, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Bryant Richardson, Jacob McKenney, selectmen. 1844 - Lora B. Stevens, clerk; Ingerson Parker, Jacob McKenney, Thaddeus Sawyer, selectmen. 1845 - Lora B. Stevens, clerk; Ingerson Parker, Tristram Hill, William A. Herrick, selectmen. 1846 - Lora B. Stevens, clerk; Augustus Sprague, Oliver Mower, Eliphalet Coburn, selectmen. 1847 - Lora B. Stevens, clerk; Benjamin Allen, David Wilkins, William A. Herrick, selectmen. 1848 - Lora B. Stevens, clerk; William A. Herrick, Augustus Sprague, Stephen W. Sylvester, selectmen. 1849 - Silas Sprague, clerk; William A. Herrick, Augustus Sprague, Harrison Rose, selectmen. 1850 - Duane Mower, clerk; Augustus Sprague, Harrison Rose, Isaac Jennings, selectmen. 1851 - Duane Mower, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Harrison Rose, Tristram Hill, selectmen. 1852 - Duane Mower, clerk; Benjamin Allen, Harrison Rose, Joel Weymouth, selectmen. 1853 - Duane Mower, clerk; Benjamin Allen, William A. Herrick, Joel Weymouth, selectmen. 1854 - Silas Sprague, clerk; Tristram Hill, Eliphalet Coburn, Augustus Sprague, selectmen. 1855 - Silas Sprague, clerk; Daniel L. Weymouth, Lewis Gilbert, Leonard Mower, selectmen. 1856 - Henry P. Curtis, clerk; William S. Parker, Stephen W. Sylvester, Zelotes R. Additon, selectmen. 1857 - Henry P. Curtis, clerk; Tristram Hill, Harrison Rose, John Stevens, selectmen. 1858 - Henry P. Curtis, clerk; Tristram Hill, Daniel L. Weymouth, Silas Sprague, selectmen. 1859 - Henry P. Curtis, clerk; Harrison Rose, John E. Sawyer, Henry H. Bates, selectmen. 1860 - Franklin N. Mower, clerk; Harrison Rose, John E. Sawyer, Henry H. Bates, selectmen. 1861 - Franklin N. Mower, clerk; Leonard Mower, John Stevens, John M. Robbins, selectmen. 1862 - Henry P. Curtis, clerk; Harrison Rose, Aaron Winslow, Charles M. Washburn, selectmen. 1863 - A. P. Mower, clerk; Aaron Winslow, D. L. Weymouth, John E. Sawyer, selectmen. 1864 - Franklin N. Mower, clerk (Mr Mower was also elected to fill a vacancy in the office of clerk February 2, 1864); D. L. Weymouth, H. H. Bates, Z. A. Gilbert, selectmen. 1865 - A. Pierce, clerk; Tristram Hill, C. M. Washburn, D. L. Weymouth, selectmen. 1866 - Albion Pierce, clerk; Tristram Hill, Josiah Mower, William M. Longley, selectmen. 1867 - Albion Pierce, clerk; William M. Longley, Tristram Hill, Greenleaf Parker, selectmen. 1868 - Albion Pierce, clerk; William M. Longley, Simeon C. Wiley, Charles M. Washburn, selectmen. 1869 - A. Pierce, clerk; Augustus Sprague, Charles M. Washburn, Andrew J. Harris, selectmen. 1870 - Albion Pierce, clerk; Tristram Hill, C. M. Washburn, Hayden Bigelow, selectmen. 1871 - Albion Pierce, clerk; H. Rose, C. M. Washburn, A. J. Harris, selectmen. 1872 - Albion Pierce, clerk; William Sprague, D. O. Libby, John L. Howe, selectmen. 1873-1874-1875-1876 - Albion Pierce, clerk; Harrison Rose, Charles M. Washburn, Andrew J. Harris, selectmen. 1877 - Albion Pierce, clerk; Harrison Rose, E. L. Mower, A. J. Harris, selectmen. 1878 - H. H. Burbank, clerk; F. N. Mower, E. L. Mower, C. M. Washburn, selectmen. 1879-1880-1881-1882-1883 - H. H. Burbank, clerk; Charles M. Washburn, Frank N. Mower, Andrew J. Harris, selectmen. 1884 - Albion Pierce, clerk; Charles M. Washburn, Frank N. Mower, Andrew J. Harris, selectmen. 1885 - Thomas G. Pratt, clerk; C. M. Washburn, F. N. Mower, A. J. Harris, selectmen. 1886-1887-1888 - W. H. Thomas, clerk; Z. A. Gilbert, H. H. Coburn, G. E. Fogg, selectmen. (Mr Thomas resigned December 11, 1888; William Sprague was appointed.) 1889 - William Sprague, clerk; V. H. Sprague, Eli Hodgkins, John W. Moulton, selectmen. 1890-1891 - William Sprague, clerk; Eli Hodgkins, H. H. Coburn, J. S. Weymouth, selectmen.