Location
Maine is the dome of New England,
situated in the northeast corner of the United States, extending like a wedge
into the Dominion of Canada, which it faces along a frontier of about 500 miles.
Only one state has a longer line of contact with Canada. As a whole the state is
nearly due west of Central Europe, due north of Venezuela; about half of its
territory is further north than Montreal.
Area
The total area of the
state is 33,040 sq. miles. It is the 35th in rank among the states of the Union,
midway in size between Indiana and South Carolina, very nearly half the total
area of New England. It is just about three times the size of Belgium, or twice
the size of Switzerland. The line of greatest length in the state would extend
from Chicago to Lexington in one direction, or nearly to St. Paul in the
opposite direction.
Surface Features
Maine is situated on the southern
flank of the Laurentian Mountains and its surface features are controlled by the
fact. The interior of the state is a timbered mass of rounded hills of granite,
for the most part heavily wooded. Being a part of the oldest land surface on the
continent, the erosive power of water acting through long ages has cut many
winding valleys, left numerous lake areas, and is the explanation of the
peculiarly indented coast. The action of ice during the glacial age emphasized
all these features.
Development
Through settlements along the coast of
Maine go back to very early times, yet the state has not developed its
resources. Lacking only 344 square miles of being as large as the rest of New
England, its population is only about one-tenth as great; Massachusetts being
nearly nine times, Rhode Island nearly twenty times as densely settled. The new
economic age now dawning will utilize the great natural resources of Maine, and
no doubt a great development is at hand.
Water Power
Water power is
the “white coal” of the future, and a country blessed with an abundance of water
power is sure of coming prosperity. In 1908 Maine was third among the states
having developed water power, first among the New England states. It is said by
geologists that the state has unrivalled possibilities in this matter. It is
estimated that enough power could be developed to run every railroad in New
England and operate every factory in that section. This resource can be made a
greater asset to Maine than coal is to Pennsylvania.
Forests
Seventy-five percent of the area of Maine is forested, and lumber products, --
including paper and pulp – is the greatest industry, in the state, amounting to
about $50,000,000 yearly. The yearly growth of timber nearly equals the loss.
Under a judicious system of forestry the timber can be so conserved that a still
larger use can be made of the forests. Owing to the natural features of the
state the larger part of this forest area cannot be used for agriculture and it
will remain a great natural resource to the state.
Agriculture
Improved methods in agriculture are being introduced and the state is said to
rank first in the yield per acre and quality of potatoes and sweet corn.
Aroostook County in the northern part of the state, is one of the great potato
sections of the United States. Seed potatoes are sent from there to all parts of
the Union. In 1825 the crop in that section was one and a half million bushels;
in 1915 fourteen and a half million bushels.
Tourists
The “See America
First” movement was greatly influenced by the European War. No part of the world
excels in scenic interest Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Even before the war
it was estimated that 500,000 persons from outside the state spent a great part
of their summer in Maine and brought into the state about $25,000,000 yearly.
The development of tourists’ patronage is one of the recognized industries of
Maine. An organized effort is now being made to increase the tide of travel by
building good roads, and opening sections of great scenic attractions.
Quarry Products
Maine is the greatest producer of feldspar, third in the
production of granite, eighth in the value of lime and cement. Slate of
excellent quality is found and there are beds of porcelain clay and of sand
suitable for glass. There are small deposits of iron, zinc, and tin, with traces
of silver and gold.
Contributed by Bob Franks, extracted from The Home
and School Reference Work, A Library of Practical, Authoritive Information Drawn
From Every Department of Human Knowledge, Volume IX, Perpetual Encyclopedia
Corporation, Chicago, 1915 and 1923, Pages 3933-34.
Like the other New England States, the town, is the unit of the state
government of Maine. Its powers and privileges are prescribed by laws enacted by
the Legislature of the State. Within these limits the rights of the individual
are absolutely secure. He is, under this form of town government, a sovereign
in, fact as well as in theory. His only ruler or dictator is a majority of one
of his peers. It is a pure democracy. It was established here by the Pilgrims
and the Puritans, a heritage to them from our ancestors, the ancient Saxons.
These Saxons met together to consider and discuss questions of common and
general interest. Their meeting or assembly was not one of subjects or
followers, but of freemen. After a while the farmers and others who were much
occupied with their own affairs, got into the way of staying away altogether.
Those who had more leisure, or talent for such matters, went. Thus was developed
in a crude way a governing class. Whenever rules were made, unfavorable or
obnoxious to the others, they would go, assert their rights, undo what had been
done and adjust things as best suited them.
Thus, from the earliest of
these assemblies came the New England town meeting, from its later form then
known as the Witenagemat, or the Meeting of the Wise Men, evolved the British
Parliament and hence our National Congress and State Legislatures.
And,
incidentally, from the custom of those old Saxons to occasionally revolt against
their rule makers, grew the right of revolution, sacred to the Anglo Saxon race.
From it came the Magna Carta, The English Bill of Rights, a free British
Parliament, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the
American Constitution.
The plantation is the same as the town, except
with less powers and rights.
The city acts under a Charter, granted it by
the Legislature, having limited executive and legislative authority but no
judicial power.
The County is a governing power, its authority and
duties, however, being less than those of either town or city. Its seat of
government is called the Shire town, where are the Court House, Jail, the County
Records and the offices of all the county officers all of whom are elected by
the citizens of the County.
Whenever men have developed from the lowest stage of savagery and
have attempted to live together in any sort of harmony, some form of
government has been evolved. Whatever form it takes, it is forever
changing, autocratic, democratic and back to autocratic again; the
pendulum is always swinging. Each age and each race develops its own
particular genius in government, and the world gains by the experiment.
The four periods into which the government of Maine may be divided
are: first, that of the Indians; second, the proprietary; third, that of
the control of Massachusetts; fourth our present state government.
When the first settlers came to the state, they found the Indians in
possession. The usual government of the Indians was simple. There was a
chief or sagamore, whose office was usually hereditary, for each tribe.
Sometimes a head chief presided over several tribes with the tribal
chief subordinate to him. There were no written laws, but justice was
administered and penalties were exacted by the chief and his council,
which was composed of the warriors of the tribe. One tribe living near
the New Brunswick border developed a very democratic government. The
sachem or chief was elected for life by the men of the tribe. At his
death another was chosen. The choice did not always fall to the dead
chief’s son though it often did so. The sachem’s power was nominal. He
had six councillors who he named, but his selection was confirmed by the
warriors. He was commander-in- chief of the war forces, but the
immediate command was given to another. Such was the government that
prevailed among these tribes of savages.
The second period, that
the Proprietary Government, extended from 1606 to 1652.
1606.
James I gave the charter of Virginia to Gorges and Popham. It created
two companies, the London Company (The first colony of Virginia) and the
Plymouth Company. A general council in England of thirteen members with
one representative for each company in the colony constituted the
government. A simple code of laws was formed. Some of these follow:
George Popham was made president with a council of five assistants.
1620. James I gave to the Council of New England which succeeded the
Plymouth Company a charter which confirmed and included nearly all the
rights of the charter of 1606. This charter held for fourteen years.
From 1623 to 1631 a number of patents were granted in Maine: the 1st
Patent of Agamenticus (York), to Ferdinando Gorges, the 1st Kennebec
Patent, the 2d Kennebec Patent, the Patent to the planters of Saco, the
Lygonia Patent, the Muscongus or Waldo Patent and the Pemaquid or
Sagadahoc Patent. Civil control was granted along with the titles to the
land and the government varied with the proprietor, who was usually the
governor. If he did not govern in person, he appointed a deputy governor
who ruled as he pleased, administering justice and making what laws
seemed desirable.
1635. The Council of New England dissolved, and
control was taken over by the king. The Commissioners of American
Plantations were appointed to take charge of colonial affairs. New
England was divided into royal provinces. Ferdinado Gorges was granted
the region between the Piscataqua and the Kennebec, which was given the
name of New Somersetshire. Capt. William Georges was sent over as the
first deputy governor. He with six commissioners held court at Saco in
1636; this was the first provincial court in the present State of Maine.
In 1637 Gorges went back to England and this governmental experiment was
at an end.
1639. Ferdinando Gorges received his long desired
charter of the Province of Maine, which included one-sixth the present
area of Maine, all the land between the Piscataqua and the Sagadahoc,
one hundred and twenty miles inland. Gorges ruled as Lord Palatine after
the manner of Lord Baltimore in Maryland. The county was divided into
eight bailiwicks or counties and sixteen several hundreds and then into
parishes and tithing. The legislative body, consisting of eight members
elected by the people, and the council, levied taxes and made laws. The
deputy governor , chancellor, treasurer, marshall, judge marshall,
admiral, judge of maritime cases, master of ordance and secretary were
the standing concillors who met each month as a court of justice. The
religion was Episcopalian and no provision was made for schools.
1643. The Lygonia Patent was purchased by Sir Alexander Rigby. It had a
deputy president and a general assembly consisting of assistant
magistrates and deputies, the latter chosen by popular vote. The deputy
president acted under the advice of a commission appointed by the
parliament.
1647. After the death of Gorges, the inhabitants
formed a compact “to see these parts of the country and province
regulated according to such laws as have formerly been exercised, and
such others as shall be thought meet, but not repugnant to the
fundamental laws of our native country.” Edward Godfrey was chosen
governor. This government lasted until 1652.
1652. Gorges’ heirs
did nothing for a time in regard to their property. Massachusetts had
long viewed with disfavor the growth of an independent government in
Maine, and even the inhabitants felt the need for some co-ordinate
government. Massachuetts, therefore, took over Maine as a county under
the name of Yorkshire. Two delegates were sent to the General Court at
Boston. The inhabitants were allowed to vote without becoming members of
the Puritan church, but entire freedom of worship was not allowed to
them. This date marks the beginning of the third period in Maine’s
government.
1660. The grandson of Gorges claimed Maine. His
commissioners visited the country and set up a form of government, but
Massachuetts refused to yield and they were soon recalled.
1668.
Massachusetts resumed control.
1676-78. The claim of Gorges was
revived, but Massachusetts quietly purchased the Gorges claim for £1250
and held Maine as a proprietor.
1680. Massachusetts reorganized
the administration of Maine. A provincial president and deputy president
were chosen annually. The legislature was composed of a standing council
of eight members and a lower house of deputies chosen from the towns.
Thomas Danforth was the first president.
1684. The charter of
Massachusetts was annulled and for seven years Maine, as well as
Massachusetts was governed directly by the crown. Dudley was made
president of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island. He
had fifteen councillors appointed by the crown to assist him. His
administration was very unpopular and lasted only five months. In 1688
Sir Edmond Andros as appointed captain general and vice admiral of New
England, New York and the Jerseys. He formed a council of twenty-five
members, five of whom constituted a quorum. All legislative, judicial
and executive functions were vested in this department. It was a
despotic government without constitutional limits.
1689. Andros
was deposed and a provisional government was set up. “A council for the
safety of the people and the conservation of the peace” was chosen.
Delegates from the towns were chosen and a meeting of the General Court
was advised. This was held in Boston in Maine of this year and it was
decided “to resume the government according to the charter rights”.
Danforth was restored to his office as president of the Province of
Maine.
1691. William and Mary granted Massachusetts her second
charter, which gave her control of Maine as far as the St. Croix River.
Massachusetts's government at this time resembled the English. The
governor, lieutenant governor and the secretary of state were appointed
and commissioned by the crown to hold office during the pleasure of the
sovereign. The governor had supreme executive authority. The legislature
consisted of two branches, and upper, called the council or board of
assistants, and the lower called the house of representatives. The
council was chosen by the old council and the new house of
representatives. By charter, three of the council were always from the
Province of Maine, and one from Sagadahoc. The representatives were
elected by the towns. Eight were from Maine. All laws had to be approved
by the king.
1774. General Gage dissolved the General Court. From
1775 Massachusetts was governed by the provincial congress composed of
delegates from the principal towns of Maine and Massachusetts. They
managed the political affairs but made no laws.
1778.
Massachusetts was divided by the Continental Congress into three
districts. The northern, composed of York County, Cumberland County and
Lincoln County, was called the District of Maine.
1780. The
constitution of Massachusetts was adopted in 1780 changed the government
greatly. The executive power was vested in the governor, lieutenant
governor and an advisory council of nine members. The General Court of
two branches, the Senate and the House of Representatives, met annually.
The voters had to have an income of $10 or an estate worth $200. The
senators were chosen from counties or districts and the number was in
proportion to the property. Maine had eight senators. The
representatives were chosen by the corporate towns, one to every one
hundred and fifty taxable polls, and one for every additional number of
three hundred and seventy-five polls.
1787. When the United State
Constitution was adopted. Maine was made a representative government.
1820. Maine separated from Massachusetts and was admitted into the
Union as a sovereign state, entering upon the fourth period of her
government, with which we are all familiar.
Source for narrative:
The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library.
Augusta, Maine 1920. pages 64-67.
In a democratic country like ours, the ability of the people to govern themselves is best displayed in the smaller divisions of government, the state the county, the city or town. Maine has these divisions and in addition the plantation.
The county is the intermediate organization between
the state government and the cities and towns. The boundaries of a county are determined by
law, and every portion of the state is in some county. A town or city is chosen as the
shire town or county seat, and here are erected the buildings necessary for the
conduct of county business, the court house and the jail. The administrative
functions are exercised by the county commissioners, three in number, who are
elected for a term of six years. These commissioners make assessments, levy
taxes, have charge of the county roads, and supervise the receipts and
expenditures of county money. The clerk of courts is also the clerk of this
body. The sheriff, who is elected for two years, is charged with the enforcement
of the laws, has charge of the jail and appoints deputies in the larger towns.
The county treasurer has charge of the money which comes, not from individuals,
but from towns and from the fees and fines received by the sheriff and the clerk
of courts. The office of the register of deeds is an important one. Here are
kept the records of deeds, mortages and attachments.
In Maine the law does not require a minimum population before a
town can be incorporated as a city, and consequently, the fact that a place is a
city does not indicate its size. Cities are incorporated under special charters
with usually a mayor as chief executive, with a board of aldermen and common
council. Cities are divided into districts called wards and each citizen must
vote in his own ward. The government is representative and minor officials are
chosen by the city council. One city in Maine has the commission plan of
government. Each member of the commission is in charge of one of the
departments, such as police, public works and so on. Together they for m a board
which makes ordinances and carries on the business of the city. Another city is
under the commission manager plan. The government is in the hands of one man,
who is an expert, selected for his abilities in this line.
Early Views of
Portland, City Hall, Old Town Hall, and Old Court House [1908]
The towns are all incorporated under uniform state laws for the town form of organization.
The town meeting, at which all citizens with a voting residence have a voice, is
the legislative body and is an example of the purest form of democratic
government. At the town meeting are chosen the officers of the town, money is
raised and appropriated for town business. The chief officials are the
selectmen, whose number may be from three, five or seven, the town clerk,
treasurer, collector of taxes, the road commissioner, school committee,
superintendent of schools, who serves several towns, and the board of health.
The plantation is a rudimentary town and has all the essential machinery that towns possess, but in a simplified form. Plantations may be organized for school purposes alone. The officials are the same as for towns except that three assessors that the place of selectmen.
There is in Maine in addition to cities, towns and plantations another local unit called an unorganized township, which is sometimes confused in the popular mind with the plantation. It is however, entirely distinct as the name suggests is without a local form of government and consequently with no local officials and no local taxation. Many of these townships have a population of considerable size and have schools and roads. The schools come under the direct supervision of the State Department of Education while the roads are under the direction of the county commissioners. The unorganized townships occupy about one-half of the area of the state, or to be more exact forty-seven per cent.
Sources for narrative:
The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library,
Augusta, Maine 1920. pages 70-71.
County Courthouse Book 2nd Edition by Elizabeth Petty Bentley Copyright 1995,
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. page(s) 120 - 123.
The growth of the public library idea in our state parallels that of the
public school. Associations, formed at first for the exclusive benefit of the
few, were gradually enlarged to include in their scope the good of all. The
first Maine legislature enacted both school and library laws modeled after those
of Massachusetts. From 1798 to 1815, Massachusetts had provided by legislation
for the incorporation of law, militia and proprietary and social libraries. Our
inheritance, however was more than mere legal machinery, for, although
statistics on that point were few and unreliable, the fact is well established
that free libraries maintained by the people were as early as the middle of the
eighteenth century considered a necessary part of our educational system.
A portion of "The Revolving Library", established in 1751 for three
adjoining parishes in Kittery and York, is still in existence in the Community
House at Kittery Point. The "Library Society" of Falmouth Neck, founded by
twenty-six gentlemen in 1765, and succeeded in 1826 by the Portland Athenaeum,
was the forerunner of the Portland Public Library, and the oldest library now in
active existence, that of Bowdoin College established in 1794. Campus, Colby
College, WatervilleDuring the years of 1798-1820 were founded the libraries of
Waterville (now Colby) College, Gorham and North Yarmouth Accademies, and
proprietary or social libraries in Bangor, Belfast, Bucksport, Camden, Castine,
Gorham, Machias, Portland, Saco, Union, Warren, Westbrook, Winthrop, Wiscassett
and probably other places.
The lyceum and debating clubs of this period played an important part in both school and community life and the libraries gradually accumulated by these clubs grew to be of such value that it became necessary to place them under the control and management of responsible bodies. The societies or associations formed for this purpose became the proprietary or social libraries authorized by the first library laws. The free public library of the present day is the direct consequence of the need expressed by the organization of these earlier associations and in many instances is their lineal descendant.
The first free public library law as passed in 1854, Maine being the third state to enact such legislation. Towns were authorized under this law to establish and maintain public libraries, to receive bequests and gifts and to appropriate for organization one dollar for each rateable poll and for annual maintenance twenty-five cents for each such poll. This law remained unchanged for more than thirty years and, with one exception, there is no evidence that any municipality acted under its provisions. The town of Castine established a public library in 1855, and at that time received the books and property belonging to a social library founded by William Mason and other in 1801 and subsequently incorporated under the laws of 1821.
In 1893, the passage of a new public library law not only permitted but encouraged public libraries. They were made legal recipients and custodians of state documents, were granted a stipend of ten per cent of the amount appropriated by the municipality (changed in 1895 to ten per cent of appropriation for the library and in 1917 to not less than seven nor more than ten per cent, the stipend in no case to exceed $500) and, in the case of new libraries in towns have less than 1500 population (restriction as to population removed in 1901) were given new books to the value of half the appropriation for starting the library but not exceeding $100. The older association libraries were given the benefits of the act when made entirely free as a result of municipal appropriation. Librarians and others were allowed to apply to the State Library for advice and instruction in library matters. As illustrative of the extension of public libraries under this act the State Library report of 1894 enumerated thirty-four public libraries and forty-four not free, whereas the report of the United States Bureau of Education for 1876 listed seventeen social and eight public libraries, only three of which were free.
Since 1893, the number of libraries has steadily increased, and the opening of the centennial year finds Maine with two hundred and twelve public libraries, one hundred and thirteen of which are entirely free and ninety-nine require a small fee. The total number of books in these libraries is 1,120,230.
The Maine Library Association, organized in 1891, has been, since its reorganization in 1901, an active agency in energizing the library spirit of the state. Two meeting are held each year -- one in the spring, and one in the fall at the same place and time as the Maine Teacher's Convention.
The entire library situation is now more promising than at any other time in history of the state. Trustees are asking for trained and efficient workers, municipalities are requiring adequate service and librarians are consistently and constantly striving to raise themselves and their libraries to the highest standards demanded by our modern professional and industrial life.
Source: The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library. Augusta, Maine, 1920. pages 190-191.
On the first day of January, 1785, there appeared in the town of Falmouth
[Cumberland County] the first issue of the pioneer newspaper of the District of
Maine, under the name of the Falmouth Gazette and Weekly Advertiser. This paper,
except for a suspension from 1866 to 1868, has, under various names, been
published continually to the present time. It came from the press of Titcomb and
Wait of Falmouth and was printed on four pages, about the size of a sheet of
foolscap, with three columns to a page. In 1786, the year of Portland's
incorporation, the name was changed to the Cumberland Gazette. It was again
changed in 1792 to avoid confusion with a rival paper, the Gazette of Maine,
which had been established in 1790 by Benjamin Titcomb after his withdrawal from
the partnership with Wait. Under its new name of Eastern Herald it appeared in a
larger form. No more changes were made until September, 1796, when Mr. Wait
disposed of his interests to John B. Baker, who consolidated it with the Gazette
of Maine under the title of Eastern Herald and Gazette of Maine. After the
retirement of Mr. Baker the paper passed into the hands of Daniel George, "a man
of genius." Following his death it was purchased by Isaac Adams, who merged it
with the Portland Gazette, a sheet issued in 1798 by E. A. Jenks. Subsequent to
this change it was known as the Portland Gazette and the Maine Advertiser. In
1808 Mr. Adams took into partnership Arthur Shirley, whose connection with the
paper lasted until 1822. when he left to become publisher of the Christian
Mirror. During Mr. Shirley's long career as printer and publisher several
important publications came from his press, among which were the Daily Courier,
Family Reader, Portland Magazine and the Maine Washington Journal. He published
the first directory of Portland and the first book of sacred music printed in
the state. In the year 1819 William Willis later an eminent lawyer and
historian, was engaged by Shirley to write editorials for his paper. This is the
first instance in which the office of editor was separated from the business of
the publisher.. When the daily edition was established in 1831 it was called the
Portland Advertiser, while the title of Gazette of Maine was revived for the
weekly edition. Among it many distinguished editors we find the names of James
Brooks, Erastus Brooks, Phineas Barnes, Henry Carter and James G. Blaine. From a
subscription list of 1700 in the year 1796, the circulation has now increased to
26, 267, the largest of any daily in the state.
The first daily newspaper in
Maine was established in Portland in 1829 by Seba Smith. It was known as the
Courier.
The oldest paper maintaining an unbroken existence and
unchanging name is the Eastern Argus, established in 1803 in Portland. Its first
publishers were Calvin Day and Nathaniel Willis.
In these days of almost
hourly mail service it is hard to realize the eagerness with which the weekly
delivery of papers was anticipated in the smaller towns in the early days. Local
happening were reported without delay by the busy newsmongers but the only
connection with the outside world was found in the papers. In 1785 the mail was
carried from Falmouth to Portsmouth and from there to Boston on horseback and
inhabitants of settlements not on the direct mail route were obliged to send
messengers on foot to the nearest place selected to send letters and receive
mail. In case of severe storms or unusually bad condition of the roads the
postman was often delayed for two weeks and sometimes for more than a month. In
Parson Smith's diary, written in 1875, we find this entry: "The post at last got
here, having been hindered near five weeks."
As comparitively few people
in the smaller settlements could afford individual subscriptions, it was the
custom for whole neighborhoods to unite in subscribing for a single paper, which
was in turn read by several families then carefully perserved for future
reading. Congressional news, sometimes not more than sixteen days old, and
foreign news, two or three months late, made up the greater part of the paper. A
few items of local interest were given in the form of death notices -- long and
eulogistic -- and advertisements. These varied from descriptions of proprietary
medicines, sure to cure all ailments, to notices of marital difficulties. No
paper was complete without its advertisements of W. I. Rum, gin, wines and other
cordials. Masters of runaway appentrices aired their troubles and offered
munificent rewards, varying from two cents to ten dollars, for the return of
their ungrateful servants.
The first paper on the Kennebec was the
Eastern Star, published at Hallowell, then know as Bomahook, or "The Hook:, in
1794 by Howard Robinson. The price was nine shillings a year. It was printed on
four pages, 18 by 11 inches in size. After struggling vainly for about a year,
during which time it passed to the hands of Nathaniel Perly, it came to an early
death and as succeeded by the Tocsin. This paper was established in 1795 by
Thomas Wait, Howard Robinson and John K. Baker, a former apprentice of Wait's.
It was purchased the following year by Benjamin Poor and continued until 1797
when it, too, succumbed to starvation.
Soon after the establishment of
the Eastern Star at "The Hook", a rival paper was started at Fort Western, a
part of Hallowell, now known as Augusta. Its publisher was Peter Edes, who came
to Maine from Boston. The first issue of the Kennebeck Intelligencer, a sheet of
four pages, 18 by 11 1/2 inches in size was dated Novemember 21, 1795. "For want
of due encouragement and punctuality of payment" Mr. Edes discontinued the paper
in June 1800, but it was revived in November of the same year as The Kennebec
Gazette. In February, 1810, the character of the paper changed and it became a
party organ. Its name was changed with its character and it was known as the
Herald of Liberty. For some time it flourished but in 1815 Edes became
discouraged by unfavorable conditions and removed to Bangor, where he bought the
Bangor Weekly Register on November 25 and "could make out to live if nothing
more".
Lincoln County's pioneer was the Wiscasset Telegraph, issued in
December, 1796, by Russell and Hoskins. It was made up of four pages, 21 by 18
inches. Nearly a year after its establishment a slight change was made in the
title to The Wiscasset Telegraph, which was at that time published by Hoskins
and Scott. It was discontinued on the death of Hoskins in 1804.
During
the same month in which the tick of The telegraph became audible, there were
heard the blatant tones of the Oriental Trumpet in Portland. After nearly four
years of existence its voice was silenced.
In December, 1797, the
Wiscasset Argus made its appearance under the direction of Laughton and Rhoades.
It did not enjoy a long life.
Russel's Echo; or, the North Star, was
Oxford County's first newspaper. It was published at Fryeburg by Elijah Russel
in February, 1798. It evidently was not sucessessful in spite of the publishers
offer to allow his subscribers to "pay in anything or chash", as its last number
appeared in January, 1799.
The Castine Journal and Universal Advertiser
came into being at Castine in January, 1799. It was a four-page paper about 18
by 11 inches, published by David Walters In May of the same year its title was
changed to Castine Journal and the Eastern Advertiser. It is thought to have
ceased circulation about December 20, 1800. It was the first newspaper published
in Hancock County.
In 1803 the Annals of the Times began its short life
in Kennebunk. In the year of its death, 1805, the Kennebunk Gazette was started
by James L. Remick, who published it until 1842. For a few years after his
retirement the paper was continued by his son. The Annals was York County's
first experiment in journalism.
The first paper published in Penobscot
County was the Bangor Weekly Register, established by Peter Edes in 1815, after
is removal from Augusta. In December, 1817, it was purechased by James Burton,
Jr., who changed its name to the Bangor Register. It lived until August, 1831,
and was succeeded by the Penobscot Journal.
Eastport was the home of the
first Washington County paper, which appeared in August, 1818, under the name of
the Eastport Sentinel. It was Federal or Whig in politics and was published by
Benjamin Folsom until his death in 1833. It has lived to a ripe old age and is
still thriving.
No newspaper was established in Waldo County until July,
1820, when the Hancock Gazette made its appearance. Its first publishers were
Fellows and Simpson, with William Biglow as editor. After a few numbers had been
issued Penobscot Patriot was added to its title. In June, 1826, it was again
changed to Belfast Gazette. Only eight volumes were published.
Sagadahoc
County also produced a "Gazette" -- the Maine Gazette -- issued by Torrey and
Simpson at Bath in 1820. In 1832 the paper was consolidated witht eh Maine
Inquirer. Though many later consolidations and consequent changes of the name
have occured, the paper is still in existence.
George V. Edes, a nephew
of Peter, was associated with Thomas J. Copeland in the publication of Somerset
County's first news sheet, the Somerset Journal. It was issued at Norridgewock
on May 15, 1823. Under various names it continued until about 1826, when it was
removed to Bangor and published under a new title.
The promoter of the
Thomaston Register, the earliest publication in Knox county, was Jonathan
Ruggles, later Justice of the Surpreme Court in Maine and United States Senator.
It made its appearance in May 1825, under the direction of Edwin Moody, who sold
the establishment in 1831. The new owner substituted for the old title the name
of Independent Journal. The following spring the business was discontinued.
The first attempt to establish a printing press in Franklin County was made
by W. A. Dunn in 1832. The Sandy River Yeoman was the result of the effort. Its
difficulties were many and after a year's struggle it gave up in despair.
The ancestor of the Piscataquis Observer, now published in Dover was the
Piscatiquis Herald, born in Dover, June 1, 1838. Only one change in the name,
that from the Herald to Observer, has been made. George V. Edes, who previously
published the Somerset Journal, was responsible for its early success, aided by
the Whigs of Piscatiquis County, whose organ it was.
The first paper
presented by Androscoggin County was the Lewiston Journal, whose initial number
was issued at Lewiston May 21, 1847. The size of the first sheet was 33 by 23
inches. William Waldron and Dr. Alozo Garcelon were the publishers, with Dr. F.
Lane as editor. The press and printing materials for the Journal were brought to
Lewiston from Portland with a team by Col. William Garcelon. In 1850 Dr.
Garcelon's connection with the paper ceased and Waldron conducted it alone until
1856, when Nelso Dingley purchased a half interest. A year later he assumed
entire control. Under his management the paper became more decidedly political
and has since been recognized as one of the leading Republican papers.
The Aroostook Pioneer has the distinction of being not only the first newspaper
published in the county but a paper "started in the wilderness". In 1858 Joseph
B. Hall, senior member of the firm of Hall and Gilman, purchased the old outfit
of the Bangor Gazette and carried it by team from Bangor to Presque Isle. When
Mr. Hll severed his connection with the paper in 1860, Mr. Gilman assumed sole
charge. Eight years later Mr. Gilman removed the paper to Houlton, where
business prospects seemed brighter. It is still published in Houlton under the
original name.
Among the many religious publications appearing in Maine, a few of
the early ones are worth of especial mention. The Christian
Intelligencer, the first Universalist organ in the state, was printed in
1821. The Christian Mirror, published in 1822, was one of the pioneers
of the religious press and attained a circulation that was remarkable at
the time. Previous to the Civil War it was sent to every state in the
Union, to parts of Europe and to Asia. It's first editor was Dr. Asa
Rand. During its long history it took a prominent part in many important
discussions. In the year 1830 appeared the Sabbath School instructor, a
juvenile paper published by D. C. Colesworthy, and the Maine Wesleyan
Journal, a Methodist publication edited by Gersham H. Cox. The Journal
was later conducted by Horatio King. It was finally transferred to
Boston and united to the Zion's Herald. Two of the organs of the Baptist
denomination were the Maine Baptist Herald - the first paper to
fully coinciding with the faith of the primitive Baptists - published in
1824, and the Zion's Advocate, edited by Rev. Adam Wilson in 1837. The
Freewill Baptists issued the Family Instructor in 1841. Other
Universalist publications appeared in the Christian Pilot, about 1832,
and the Universalist Palladium, about 1839. Both of these papers were
later merged with the Gospel Banner, a weekly religious newspaper which
had been established in 1835 under the editorship of Rev. William A.
Drew. This in turn, after several years of prosperity in Maine was
merged into the Universalist Leader, now published in Boston. The
Universalist Banner, a monthly paper, was first published in 1904. It is
printed in Augusta. In 1856 the Evangelist, a Congregational paper,
started at Portland some months previously, was removed to Lewiston and
published from the Journal office until 1861-02, when it was
discontinued.
Two early papers devoted to the cause of negro
emancipation were the Advocate of Freedom, edited by Professor Smyth, in
Brunswick in 1838, and the Liberty Standard, published in the same town
four years later. The second publication was edited first by Elijah P.
Lovejoy, Maine's Martyr to the cause of antislavery, and later by Rev.
Austin Willey, an ardent supporter of the same cause. Enthusiastic
workers for temperance published papers that exerted a strong influence
in bringing about state prohibition of the liquor traffic.
From a
small beginning of only eight papers published in the District in 1810,
there are now about one hundred sixteen in the state with a total
circulation of between three and four million. Augusta ranks first,
Portland comes next and then follow Bangor and Lewiston. It is said that
the quantity of work done in Augusta exceeds any other town of its size
in the Union and surpasses many of the several times its population.
Benjamin Titcomb, Jr., who established the first printing
office in Maine, was a native of Portland. In his later years it was a source of
great pride to him that he "struck off with his own hands the first sheet ever
printed in Maine". His partner Thomas B. Wait, came to Falmouth from Boston in
1784. For a short time previous to his connection with Titcomb he had a
stationer's shop but with Titcomb in 1785 when the Falmouth Gazette appeared. In
later times he ran the paper alone for several years. He published in 1807 an
edition of Blackstone Commentaries in four volumes. In connection with John P.
Sawin, "an ingenious mechanic" he invented a circular power printing press,
patented in February, 1810. It was of sufficient importance to receive a lengthy
description in Thomas's History of Printing, issued the same year. Titcomb
withdrew from the firm in 1790 and issued a rival publication, the Gazette of
Maine. Eight years later he left the printing business entirely to devote his
time to preaching. In 1804 he became pastor of the Baptist Church in Brunswick,
retaining that position for forty years. In 1819 he was a delegate to the
Constitutional Convention and made the opening prayer. He was one of the
original trustees of the Waterville College, now Colby College, and was always
greatly interested in its progress.
To Ezekiel Goodale is ascribed the
honor of establishing the first permanent printing house in Hallowell and the
first book store east of Portland. He settled in Hallowell in 1802. For a time
he conducted a book shop only but in 1813 his printing establishment, "At the
Sign of the Bible" was opened. Several important volumes issued from his press,
among which were reprints of valuable books published in the old country. One of
his early publications was "McFingal: a modern epic", written by John Trumbull,
Esq., and inspired by the events of the Revolution. The Maine Farmer's Almanac,
considered next to the Bible in importance in many homes, first came from his
press. For over sixty years it was published in Hallowell but in 1880 was
purchased by Charles E. Nash of Augusta, where it is now published. Goodales's
firm also published the first Maine Reports. Williamson's History of Maine was
printed at the same establishment, as were early volumes of the Revised Statues
of Maine. Goodale imported from England the best books of the time, including
the latest novels. Some of his advertisements call attention to the Rambler, the
Spectator, works of Shakespeare, Milton, Scott, Bryon, Moore and Fielding, also
to "Guy Mannering: a new novel by the author of Waverley" and "Childe Harold: a
poem by Lord Byron".
The pioneer printer at Augusta, then part of
Hallowell, was Peter Edes, who came to the Fort Western settlement in 1795 and
immediately commenced publishing the Kennebeck Intelligencer. He had
contemplated a partnership with Wait in Portland in 1785 but had remained in
Boston. After a few years spent in Newport, R.I., he again determined to
establish a business in Maine. His position as the most important figure in the
early history of printing in this state is due in part to his connection with
his father's establishment in Boston. This had given him a knowledge of the
business which few others possessed and a certain amount of prestige as the son
of the famous journalist of the American Revolution. It is thought probable that
political motives prompted him to start a paper in the vicinity where two news
sheets had already been established. Although one had died an early death, the
other was still in existence. During the publication of his paper at Augusta Mr.
Edes changed its name three times. In 1800 it became the Kennebec Gazette,
later, at the request of his patrons, it was changed to Herald of Liberty. In
1815 Mr. Edes decided that a change of location was necessary if he desired to
make a living and he accordingly transferred his business to Bangor. His types
and press were moved by Ephraim Ballard with a team of six oxen. Because of the
weakness of the Kennebec Bridge it was considered wise to take the four-ton load
across in sections. Three weeks were required to accomplish the journey to
Bangor and return and the expense was one hundred forty-three dollars, which
Edes considered "quite moderate". His venture in Bangor proved unsuccessful and
he retired after about a two years' struggle.
Nathaniel Willis, one of
the first publishers of the Eastern Argus, deserves more than a passing notice.
His dauntless courage in support of his convictions, causing his imprisonment,
has been mentioned in connection with that paper. After leaving Portland Mr.
Willis was for a time engaged in literary work in Boston. His next move was to
New York, where he later became co-editor, with Morris, of the New York Mirror.
Mr. Willis was distinguished for his graceful style and for his rare skill in
the use of words.
Of the prominent men who have attained eminence in the field of journalism the list is almost endless -- Colesworthy, from whose press came many popular publications; Seba Smith, editor and author of the famous Jack Downing sketches; Samuel Freeman, judge, editor and author; E. H. Elwell, editor, author and historian; Melville W. Fuller, Chief Justice of the United States, also successful journalist; Ilsley; Kingsbury; Foster; Berry; Holden; Lapham, editor and historian; Blaine; Manley; Burleigh; Willis; Fessenden; Barnes; Dingley; Haskell; Noyes; Clark; Putnam and even the children in the most remote disticts know the names of Heath, Holden, and Ginn. To many of our journalists their native sttae has seemed small a field and they have sought recognition in the larger cities. Among those who have found a prominent place in metropolitan journalism are the names of Russell Eaton, Nathaniel Willis, Erastus and James Brooks, Arlo Bates, Seba Smith, John Neal Elijah Lovejoy, Isaac McLellan, Macomber, Herrick, Wheeler and Minot. Special mention should be made of Edward Stanwood, author, historian, sociologist and for many years connected editorially with the Boston Daily Advertiser and the Youth's Companion; Edward P. Mitchell, one of the most distinguished Maine journalists, now with the New York Sun; L. S. Metcalf, editor of the North American Review and founder of the Forum; Frederick M. Somers, publisher of the Current Literature and the Forumn; and Frank Munsey, on the of the most spectacular figures in American journalism.
Source: The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library. Augusta, Maine, 1920. pages 148-155.
Religion of the Indians. The Indian believed in the existence of the unseen
world and of unseen beings by whom it was peopled, and with whom is priest could
commune. These priests or medicine men performed the three-fold function of
priest, prophet and physician. They held themselves to be kin to the mysterious
powers to whose service they were devoted, and to be acceptable mediums of
communication between them and the common people.
In common with other tribes
of the Algoquin family, the Abenakis held that the world was under the influence
of dual powers, beneficent and maleficent, and that there was one Great Spirit
who held supreme rule, but at the same time did not interfere with these
ever-conflicting powers. Upon this conception of deity their entire system of
religious belief necessarily hinged; hence their belief in guardian sprits,
which them denominated manitos.
They believed in a future existence, "they
believed in the immortal soul and that it shall pass to the South-west Elysium,
holding it to be a kind of paradise. For their enemies, who they account
unworthy of this imaginary happiness, they say that they pass to the infernal
dwellings of Abamocho, to be tortured according to the fictions of the ancient
Heathen."
They believed in the duality of the soul, which is said to have
been the reason for their custom of burying domestic utensils and other articles
with the dead, and of placing food upon the graves. In common with many other
races of mankind, they regarded the serpent as being the embodiment of the
supernatural power, superior in wisdom and cunning -- in fact a manito which
demanded their reverence.
First Services. The first Christian religious
service conducted in Maine was in 1604 when the French under DeMonts visited
Mount Desert. The first mass said in Maine was by Father Beard in October, 1611,
on an island at the mouth of the Kennebec river. In 1607 the first Protestant
religious service in New England was conducted by Rev. Richard Seymour at
Popham, where a church was built. In 1646 Father Druillettes became a missionary
to the Indians at Norridgewock. In 1688 Father Bigot erected a church at this
place with was improved by the distinguished priest, Father Rale.
The
Puritans did little to Christianize the Indians of Maine. Their one effort was
confined to the mission at Arrowsic which lasted from 1717 to 1721.
English Church. For a brief period the English church was the state church in Maine under the charter given to Gorges in 1622. William Morrell, Richard Gibson and Robert Jordan, clergymen of the Church of England, tried to establish their church in Maine, but it failed and nothing further was attempted for eighty years. In 1770 the Episcopal church asked to be relieved from taxes of the Standing Order. Their petition was granted in 1772. A church was established in Gardiner in 1771. In 1880 there were two churches in Maine. The Episcopalians have grown constantly in influence and membership until today there are thirty-nine clergymen and 5656 communicants.
Puritan and Congregational. Thomas Farmer and John Wheelwright, Puritan ministers, preached at Saco and Wells for a brief time prior to 1647. In 1652 Massachusetts secured control of Maine and taxed the people for public worship. The minister was a town official. The first Puritan church was built in York in 1673.
The Congregational church became the successor of the Pilgrims
in religious work in Maine and founded Bowdoin College. Their missionary society
was founded in 1807, and the Bangor Theological Seminary in 1814. They have
continued from the first leaders of educational work, establishing many
academies in the state. From this church have come many missionary, educational
and civic leaders of great distinction.
Friends. The first Friends to visit Maine were Ann Coleman, Mary Tompkins and Alice Ambrose, who came to Berwick in 1662. A Friends Meeting House was established in Kittery in 1730, at Falmouth in 1743. Their work continued to prosper until by 1800 they had meeting places in all important towns. They have at the present time 23 meeting houses and about 1800 members.
Baptist. William Screven was ordained to the ministry in Boston in 1682 and attempted to establish a church in Kittery, but the established church caused his arrest, and he was fined and forbidden to preach. A century later Hezikiah Smouth founded the first Baptist Church in Maine and organized churches in Gorham (1768) and Berwick. The work prospered and an association of chuches was formed in Bowdoinham in 1787. A college was organized in Waterville in 1820. There are four Baptist preparatory schools, Hebron, Colburn, Higgins and Ricker. In 1867 the Baptist Convention was orgainized. The Baptist and Free Baptist churches became one church in 1915 under the presidency of Gov. Carl E. Milliken, a member of the Free Baptist church. They have 33,647 members and 400 churches.
Presbyterian. In 1734 William McClanethan, a Presbyterian minister, preached at Boothbay; McLane at Bristol at a later period, and in 1784 Whitaker was at Canaan and Williams at Winslow. The Presbyterian church continued to grow in membership and influence until 1800 when they were established in at least ten towns. After this period they declined and finally became Congregational churches. At the close of the seventeenth century there were 42 churches and 2186 members in Maine. At a later period there were three churches with 503 members.
Methodist. In 1793 Jesse Lee was sent by the New England Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to organize this church in Maine. He held the first services in Saco, Portland, Hallowell and Readfield in 1793. The Readfield circuit was organized, which included all of the state. A church was dedicated at Readfield in 1798 by Bishop Asbury; 1500 people were at the service. Maine has the distinction of giving to the Methodist Church Bishop Soule, who drafted the plan of the delegated General Conference, and also founded the Methodist Review. When Maine became a state in 1820, there were three districts, 27 circuits, 32 preachers and 6017 members. Academies have been established at Kents Hill and Bucksport. This church has through all the years contributed to the educational, social and political development of the state. She has continued to grow in influence and in membership. The total membership in 1919, including probationers, was 20,791.
Universalist. In 1802 Thomas Barnes preached in Norway, New Gloucester, Falmouth, Gray and severy other towns. Sylvanus Cobb of Norway organized the first church in Waterville in 1826. The Gospel Banner was established and published in Augusta and exerted a large influence. The first State Convention met in 1826. They have a fine academy at Westbrook. There are about 17,000 members.
Free Baptist. Benjamin Randall of Berwick was the founder of
the Free Baptist Church. He preached in New Hampshire and Maine, forming many
churches, which were orgainized into a State Mission in 1834. The denomination
continued to grow until it became one of the most influential in the state,
having churches in all the cities. Its work for the rural districts has been
among the greatest agencies for the uplift of people. This church established
Bates College in Lewiston and the Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. In 1915
the Free Baptist and the Baptist Churches united in one denomination, under the
United Baptist Convention of Maine.
Unitarian Church. The Unitarian Church was organized in Portland in 1791. Colonel Vaughn of Hallowell was for years the most distinguished Unitarian in America. Churches were founded in Bath and Waterville by Dr. Sheldon, at one time president of Colby College. The Unitarian churches in Maine were formed into an association at Saco in 1878. It now has 27 churches. The membership could not be ascertained.
Catholic Church. This
church began its work with the coming of the first discoverers and had missions
at Mount Desert and Norridgewock. When Maine became a state in 1820 there were
few churches, the growth had been slow, but with the growth of lumbering and
manufacturing the tide turned to this church. Soon, large and prosperous
churches were located in all the large centers.
In 1853 the See of Maine and
New Hampshire was instituted with 8 preists. In the early days they shared in
the persecution that practically all churches faced in turn. Their priests were
turned out of town, and their churches burned. In 1874 the Catholic population
was 80,000 and they had 23 schools. St. Mary's College was established at Van
Buren. In 1884 New Hampshire was withdrawn from the See of Maine. Under the
brilliant leadership of Bishop Walsh, the efficiency of the church has been
greatly increased. Remarkable advances have been made in church building,
education and hospital work. There are today 131,638 Catholics in Maine, 143
priest, 47 parochial schools, 11 schools for girls, 1 college for boys, 7 orphan
asylums and many other institutions.
Other Churches. There are many religious
bodies in Maine that the student the progress must study if he would understand
the development of the religious history of the state. They are Adventist,
Seventh Day Advents, Disciples, Christians, New Jerusalem, Lutheran Church of
God, Christian Science and Seventh Day Baptists.
Reform Societies. Y. M. C. A., AugustaThe Maine Bible Society organized in 1809,
distributes about 11,000 copies annually in fifty languages. The Maine Sunday School Society
was organized in 1869. It represents 1200 schools with a membership of 100,000. The
Christian Civic League was organized in March, 1897 in Waterville. The Christian
Endeavor Society was found by Rev. Francis E. Clark at Portland, February 2,
1881. The Y. M. C. A. was organized at Portland, Nov. 9, 1853.
Source: The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library. Augusta, Maine, 1920. pages 194-199.
For almost a century the northern American Colonies experienced all the
horrors of savage warfare incident to the desperate struggle for supremacy
between France and England. The "brunt" fell upon Maine, the vast frontier and
flying-buttress of New England, -- her soil the battle ground and her sons the
vanguard. Within her boundaries at the conclusion of the King Philip's war where
only five settlements and such was the drain upon her during the succeeding wars
that there was not left at home one man to a family.
The fleet which took
Port Royal was chiefly manned in Maine and commanded by her distinguished son,
Sir William Phips. The famous siege of Louisburg was commanded by William
Pepperell of Kittery, afterwards knighted for his success in this expedition,
and at least a third of the entire besieging force was recruited from the
Province of Maine. Many of the men who served at Louisburg served also in the
armies that a few years later at Lake George drove the advancing French forces
back to their strongholds on the St. Lawrence, to be finally overcome by Wolfe
on the Plains of Abraham.
Maine gave to the struggle for independence six thousand men. And when it was
over, one thousand of her sons had sacrificed their lives and the burden of debt
that fell upon her was greater in proportion to her wealth and population that
her share in the cost of the Civil War.
The news of the battle of
Lexington reached York on the evening of the same day. The next morning a
company of sixty men, fully equipped with arms, ammunition and food, were
marching to Boston. The first company was followed in a few days by men from the
entire province, even as far east as Machias. Falmouth, now Portland, was
bombarded and utterly destroyed by a British fleet, October 18, 1775, and the
territory from the Kennebec to the eastern boundary was frequently invaded and
suffered numerous attacks at different points.
A Maine regiment was
present at the battle of Bunker Hill. On June 12, 1775, the patriots of Machias
fought "the Lexington of the seas," in which the Margaretta was captured and
"the British flag was struck for the first time on the ocean to Americians."
Eleven hundred men from Maine were with Washington at Valley Forge, a tenth of
the entire force. At the siege of Boston practically every able-bodied man in
western Maine was present. An old letter in the Massachusetts archives states
that during the siege, when an urgent call was made for additional volunteers,
they got the reply from Falmouth, "Every man who can leave home is gone or going
to Cambridge. They must draw upon this part of the province for women instead of
men, and for knives and forks instead of arms." Maine men were at Quebec with
Arnold, also at Ticonderoga, Long Island, Stillwater, Saratoga, and the
surrender of Borgoyne, at Monmouth and at Yorktown. The daring fishermen of our
coast served in the Continental Navy and were with John Paul Jones. It is
pleasant to remember that when Washington rode down the lines one day to thank
the troops whose valor had turned the tide of a desperate battle, and exclaimed
with uncovered head "God bless the Massachusetts line!" he spoke to the Third
Division - men from the counties of York and Cumberland.
In the war of 1812, although it was unpopular with her people, Maine shirked
no responsibility. It is said that more soldiers were enlisted in the District
of Maine, in proportion to it population, than in any of the states. The whole
number of militia, ever ready to march, amounted to twenty-one thousand one
hundred and twenty-one men.
During the first two years of the war Maine
was not actually invaded by the enemy, though often menaced. During the summer
of 1814, however, the towns of Castine, Belfast, Bangor and Hampden were
captured and plundered by a strong British force. The region between
Passamaquoddy Bay and the Penobscot River passed under the control of the
British. Castine was made the port of entry and a custom-house was open at
Hampden.
A naval engagement off the coast near Portland on September 5,
1814, in which the American brig "The Enterprise" captured the British brig "The
Boxer" is probably the most noteworthy battle in which Maine men participated.
A serious disagreement existed between the United States and Great Britain from the treaty of peace (1783) to the Webster-Ashburton treaty (1842) respecting the boundary line know in history as the "Northeast Frontier." The disputed territory became the scene of various encounters between the officials of New Brunswick and the settlers, who believed they were citizens of Maine. By order of the Governor of Maine, the militia was called upon to hold itself in readiness for active service. Two expeditions were made to the Aroostook and Madawaska country. The first was by the Maine Land Agent, accompanied by the sheriff of Penobscot County and a posse of men, for the purpose of driving off trespassers upon Maine soil. The second expedition was a military one to repel an invasion of the state, which the Lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick had threatened to make. Through mediation of General Scott of the United States Army, terms of the settlement were agreed upon and the troops were recalled from the Aroostook. The "war" was a bloodless one.
The record won by Maine troops in defense of the Union has become the glory
of the state. No town was so obscure, no community so destitute, that it could
not contribute its share of men and money. In many towns, in less than
twenty-four hours after tidings of the firing upon Fort Sumter were received,
full companies of volunteers were formed, ready to march. The first company
which filled its ranks, and was accepted by the governor, was the Lewiston Light
Infantry. During the four years Maine sent seventy-two thousand nine hundred and
forty-five men to the battlefield and over nine thousand never returned. She
furnished thirty-two infantry regiments, three regiments of cavalry, one
regiment of heavy artillery, seven companies of unassigned infantry, seven
companies of coast-guards, and six companies for coast fortification; six
thousand seven hundred and fifty men were also contributed to the navy and
marine corps.
It was a Maine regiment that returned with the largest
number of battles recorded on its flag of any regiment in the service, and
another of its regiments sustained the greatest loss of any regimental
organization in any arm of the service.
Exclusive of soldiers, seamen and marines who enlisted in the regular army
and navy, Maine furnished for the war with Spain one volunteer regiment of
infantry, four batteries of heavy artillery, and a signal corps, a total of
1,717 officers and men. This was more than her full quota.
Neither the
artillery nor the infantry saw active service, but over fifty men died from
fever contracted in the southern camps, and many more were permanently invalid.
The Signal Corps was orderd to the front and did excellent service in the
several battles on the island of Cuba near Santiago, which led to the surrender
of that city and the Spanish forces occupying it. General Greeley, chief signal
officer of the United States Army, at the close of the war addressed the Maine
Signal Corps in these words, "You of the volunteers that came into the field
from your shops and desks, cannot be expected to stand the hardships of this
campaign like the regulars who are trained soldiers, neither are you expected to
perform the many duties which devolve upon you with the same intelligence as the
regulars who have had years of constant practice and study, but the comparison
is very flattering to you. You were the first to report for duty to Washington,
you were the best equipped of any detachment that has reported here during the
war. The State of Maine ought to be proud of you and should be proud of the
manner in which she prepared you for the field."
Source: The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library. Augusta, Maine, 1920. pages 3-8.
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