Coos County
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A good character of solidity, intelligence and industry has ever been connected with the inhabitants of Milan. Even in the infancy of its settlement, when the struggle for existence occupied the time, they took care to plant the seeds of education and enlightened Christianity in the minds of the children. Accompanying these, diligent industry and thoughtful economy went hand in hand, and so, to-day, we find the results. From the high grade of district schools, and the well-attended high schools of Dr. True and others, have come an intellectual cultivation not often equalled in a quiet, rural town, and Milan teachers are at a premium in the surrounding country. Nowhere has more active Christian endeavor been shown by the women of any community than by those of Milan. They are the motive-power in all good works. They build and sustain the religious institutions by their noble deeds and exertions, and their influence upon the sterner sex. The town has been elevated, refined, improved; and every movement tending to make better the moral or physical condition of humanity finds an active force of co-operators in this pleasant community.
The surface of Milan is uneven and broken, and there are no mountains of any considerable elevation. The soil is productive and few towns can raise more valuable crops to the acre. The valley farms are the finest. The upper Animonoosuc and Androscoggin rivers pass through this town, flowing in nearly opposite directions. The latter receives several tributaries in Milan. Here the Androscoggin river is quiet, in great contrast to the roaring, rushing rapids at Berlin Falls, and one in coming to the village after a sojourn at the "Falls" enjoys the restfulness and beauty of the little place. There are several ponds of which Cedar pond is the largest.
This town was granted to Sir William Mayne and others, under the title of Paulsburg, in 1771; it retained this name until December 16, 1824, when it was incorporated under the name of Milan. It is hounded on the north by Dummer and Cambridge, east by Success, south by Berlin, west by Stark and Kilkenny. Area, 31,154 acres. The Grand Trunk railway passes through the west part, and the village of West Milan gives the name to one station, while another is Milan Water-Station (Copperville.) Like the other towns around it. Milan's first industries were lumbering operations, and agriculture was for some time subordinate to this. The first farms were developed on Milan hill. The soil was warmer, more free from frost, and, for some years, produced quite liberally in response to the labors of the pioneers. But they were not permanently as productive as they gave promise, and many of those settlers who remained sought the more valuable lands along the river. To-day, however, good farms are scattered through the town.
The history of Milan is devoid of wide significance; its annals are marked by few famous names or conspicuous happenings; but the beautiful farms which dot its surface, and the comfortable homes of to-day tell the story of the patience and perseverance of the few settlers who came to stay in the half century and more ago. The very hard, unenviable lot, endured by the early pioneers in this region, should be a very instinctive lesson to their descendants. Those vigorous, determined pioneers fought hard with adverse elements, in their efforts to support, and to preserve those precious gifts which were to them of God. Some of them had large families. How pitiful their poverty, their hardships, their deprivations, their great want of privileges for their children, both educational and religious! With some the best they could do for their households was to provide clothing and food. Their garments were of the coarsest texture, and of the most simple make. Their food was of the plainest, most frugal quality.
Prior to 1820 there were but few inhabitants. In 1810 the population was but fourteen; ten years passed and the number was increased four-fold. About 1822 or '23, several families emigrated from Maine and settled on Milan hills.
Early Settlers. — Among those who first penetrated this wilderness to make permanent homes for themselves and their posterity was John Ellingwood. He came about 1822 and first settled on Milan hill. His wife was Rachel Barrows, of Bethel, Me. Of their family of six children were Hester Ann, Isaac H., John W., and Freeman. Mr. Ellingwood was a farmer, a good Christian, and deacon of the Methodist church. He died about 1830. His son Isaac was the first white child born on Barrows mountain (Milan hill.)
Isaac Harris came from Bethel in 1822. He was a school-teacher in Sutton, Mass., and very well educated for those days. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Fogg, resides in town.
Daniel G. Ellingwood was probably the first settler on the Androscoggin. He located where Adams Twitchel now lives. Thomas Lake lived below the Ellingwood place; he came to Milan at the same time, but remained only a few years. He made a small clearing. Benjamin Hibbard came from Newry, Me., a little later than 1822, located and lived several years on the east side of the river. He died in Milan. The Hutchinsons were settlers on Milan hill in 1823 or '24.
Moses Hodgdon was one of the first to settle on Hodgdon hill, coming there in 1829, with his family of several children. He located on the top of the hill, developed a good farm, and brought up a family of sturdy, strong boys. He erected an up and-down saw-mill, with shingle-machine, edger, etc. He and his sons conducted this until it was burned in May 1881. Mr. Hodgdon lived to a good old age. He was collector of taxes, and a representative man. His children were Samuel F., Moses, Charles N., Elizabeth (Mrs. Dexter Wheeler), (dec), Emily (Mrs. J. H. Chandler), Ruth, married Capt. L. P. Adley, Charles N. and Moses are now residents of Berlin.
Amasa Fogg came from Ossipee about 1824 and settled on lot 1, range 8, second division.
Abner Hinds, about 1821, settled on lot 1, range 1, first division. He was one of the wealthiest of the early settlers, a great hunter and trapper. His murder by Robbins caused great excitement throughout the county. He was much esteemed by his townsmen. [See Col. Kent's graphic account in General History, pages 110, 111.]
George T. Roberts came from Kennebunk, Me., and purchased, in 1834, of his father, John Roberts, the lot mentioned above, which had been owned previously by one Walker. Mr. Roberts resided here, engaged in farming and lumbering, until 1869. He now lives in Deering, Me. Five of his ten children are living — Benjamin T., on the home farm; John, in Wisconsin; Burleigh, a member of the mercantile house of Kent & Roberts, Lancaster; Marcia A. and Lizzie W.
Isaac Hagar was an early comer. He located on the Ammonoosuc near West Milan. He was a farmer, hunter, and trapper, and a companion of Robbins and Hinds in their hunting expeditions.
Reuben Sargent was another early settler, lived here but a few years, then moved away. Anthony Nay located in the west part of the town; he lived a long life, left descendants, and held some town offices. Charles Newell was in Milan for a short time.
The Robbins family of which Sylvanus and Moses were members came from Massachusetts, probably Beverly, before 1825, and were residents for years. Sylvanus was insane for along time, and some of the people sat up nights to watch their buildings for fear of his burning them. Asa Barrows, who came in 1822, was a soldier in the War of 1812, passed his life and died here.
Emerson Cole made his home in the west part of the town, cleared a farm; he had a large family and some of his descendants arc now residents. He was prominent in town affairs, selectman for many years, and a worthy citizen. Reuben Hobart came from Gilead, Me., in 1825, located on the place where Walter Allen now lives. He was a soldier of the War of 1812. The Wight family were of the earliest to settle in Milan, coming here in 1822; they lived on the east side of the river. Aaron, Phillip and Nathaniel were inhabitants in 1825. Aaron moved to Dummer in 1844. Edward Richardson came from Bethel. Me., about 1823 or '24, and settled on Milan hill. His wife was a Miss Ellis, from Sutton, Mass. Their family was three sons and four daughters. Mr. Richardson lived to a good old age, was one of the first selectmen and held the office several years. Isaac Stearns was also from Bethel, Me. He was a man of considerable ability and enterprise. He built a mill, acquired some property, then moved to Western New York. He lived on the east side of the river where C. D. Hamlin now resides. Samuel Crafts was from Hebron, Me.; he was one of the pioneers of 1822. He had a large family of children. His wife was a Sturtevant from Hebron. One son, Rev. F. A. Crafts, is a Methodist clergyman, a resident of Connecticut. Col. Welcome A. Crafts was another son of Samuel. James H. Horn located at West Milan, was the first elected town clerk. He was licensed to sell liquor, and kept a hotel at West Milan at the time of the construction of the railroad. It is said that a barrel of burning-fluid was sent here by mistake in place of liquor, and gave such satisfaction that another barrel was ordered "just exactly the same kind."
Peter Wheeler, the first clerk elected at an annual meeting in Berlin, moved to Milan in 1834. He settled on a place on Milan Hill road, was a bricklayer. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of Plattsburgh. He took active part in town matters in Milan, was clerk, selectman and treasurer, also representative for two years in the legislature. He lived a long and useful life, and died in 1874. aged eighty-three.
The Twitchell family has been a leading one in Milan since the first settlement, coming here in 1824. Cyrus and Ransom Twitchell were taxed residents in 1825.
Many of these people came from Maine, a state well known and noted for its enterprising inhabitants. They brought with them the inherited traits of a goodly ancestry, which their children and children's children have also inherited. Others came from Massachusetts, descendants of some of the early and prominent families there. Thus Milan's pioneers were well equipped with the necessary characteristics for the settlement of a town; and, today, after the lapse of nearly three quarters of a century, we find peaceful, prosperous, intelligent and thriving residents occupying comfortable homes, and who feel indeed that "their lines have fallen in pleasant places."
Inventory for 1825. — Isaac Hagen (Hagar) was taxed on one poll, two horses, two cows, four neat cattle. James H. Horn, three polls, two horses, four oxen, two cows, five neat cattle, one and one-half acres of mowing land, ninety acres of unimproved land. Anthony Nay, one cow, two and one-half acres of mowing and one acre tillage land, ninety-seven acres unimproved land. Reuben T. Sargent, one poll, two cows, one two-year-old. Charles Newell, two polls, one horse, two cows, one acre mowing, and ninety-nine unimproved land. Abner Hinds, one poll, one horse four oxen, one cow. one three-year old, two two-year-olds, one acre mowing, one acre pasture, ninety-eight unimproved land. Emerson Cole, two polls, two oxen, one cow, one acre mowing land, ninety-nine acres unimproved land. Joshua Roberts, one poll. Asa Barrows, one poll, one cow, two two-year olds, one acre pasture, ninety-nine acres unimproved land. Edward Richardson, one poll, two oxen, two cows, 100 acres unimproved land. Isaac Harris, one poll, two oxen, two cows one two-year old, 100 acres unimproved land. Sylvanus Robbins, one poll, two cows, one two-year-old, one acre mowing, one acre pasture, 198 acres of unimproved land. Moses Robbins, one poll, one horse, three oxen, three cows, three head young cattle, two acres mowing, and one acre pasture, ninety-seven acres unimproved land Cyrus Twitchel, one poll, one horse, two oxen, two cows, 100 acres unimproved land. Reuben Hobard, one poll, two oxen, one cow. Samuel Crafts, one poll, two oxen, one cow, one three-year-old, 200 acres unimproved land. Samuel B. Robbins, one poll, one cow, 100 acres unimproved land. Ransom Twitchell, one poll, one cow, 100 acres unimproved land. Benjamin Hibbard, one poll one cow. Daniel G. Ellingwood, one poll, two oxen, one cow. 300 acres unimproved land. Thomas Lake, one poll, 300 acres unimproved land. Isaac Stearns, one poll, two oxen, two cows, 100 acres unimproved land. John Ellingwood, one poll, two oxen, two cows, 100 acres unimproved land. Phillip Wight, one poll, one cow. Aaron Wight, one poll, two oxen, one cow, two three-year-olds, 200 acres of unimproved land. Nathaniel Wight, two polls, two oxen, one cow, 100 acres of unimproved land.
Early Conveyances. — November 12, 1796, David Webster, of Plymouth, sheriff of Grafton county, N. H., conveyed to William K. Atkinson, of Dover, the whole town of Paulsburg for $21.34, the amount of the proprietary tax for 1794.
William K. Atkinson conveyed thirteen-fourteenths of Paulsburg, as follows: November 12, 1796, to William Plumer, of Epping, one fourteenth undivided. Jonathan Cilley, of Nottingham, one-fourteenth undivided. Greenleaf Cilley, of Nottingham, one-fourteenth. Jonas Minot, of Concord, one-fourteenth. William Webster, of Plymouth, one-fourteenth. Thomas Leavitt, of North Hampton, one-fourteenth and one fifty-sixth. William Harper, of Sanborton, one-fourteenth. George W. Livermore, of Holderness, one fourteenth. Moore Russell, of Haverhill, one-fourteenth. William Wallace, of Newbury, Vt., one-fourteenth. Nathaniel Peabody, of Atkinson, one-fourteenth, and three-fourths of one-fourteenth. Jabez Parsons, of Colebrook, one fourteenth. June 3, 1797, Jonathan Cilley deeded to William Plumer one-fourteenth part undivided — 2,214 acres. October 3, William Plumer, collector, to Samuel Plumer, one-fourteenth undivided of each original right. April 14, 1801, Samuel Plumer, Jr., to William Plumer, one-third of one fourteenth part undivided. October 6, 1800, Samuel Plumer, Jr., to Daniel Plumer one third of one fourteenth.
Act of Incorporation. — "Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives in General Court convened that the tract of land granted and
known by the name of Paulsburgh, situated in the County of Coos, shall hereafter
be called and known by the name of Milan, and shall be a town by that name.
"Section 2. And be it further enacted that the inhabitants of said township
be and they are hereby made a body corporate and politic, with all the same
rights, powers, and privileges immunities and liabilities of similar
corporations in this state and that said town shall be classed with the towns of
Northumberland, and Stratford and "Percy," for electing a representative until
otherwise ordered by the Legislature.
"Section 3. And be it further enacted, that for the purpose of duly organizing said town, a meeting of the inhabitants thereof legally qualified to vote in town affairs, shall be holden in said town on the first Tuesday of February next, at which meeting, Selectmen and other necessary officers may be elected to continue in office until others are chosen agreeably to the laws of this state, and that Cyrus Twitchell, Aimer Hinds, and Isaac Harris, or any two of them be authorized to call the first meeting of said inhabitants, by giving the same notice as is by law required for annual town meetings."
The act of incorporation was passed in December, 1824.
Extracts from Town Records. February 1, 1825. A town meeting, called by the persons named in the act of incorporation, was held at the dwelling house of Isaac Harris and selectmen and town clerk elected to permanently organize the town. Samuel Crafts was clerk of this meeting.
March 8, 1825. At this meeting a permanent organization was effected by the choice of a full board of town officers. It was voted "to raise the sum of Three hundred dollars for the support of Highways and Bridges; Ninety dollars for Schools and Fifty dollars for all other purposes." These amounts were raised for several years with some variation in the highway money. There were present at this meeting, sixteen voters, David L. Morrel having that number for governor, — no opposition. Twenty-six persons were taxed in the resident list: the highest money-tax in the list was $10.05 paid by Abner Hinds. A road was laid out this year. West Milan to Berlin line, via Milan Corner, and the town divided into school districts.
March 13, 1827. Cyrus Twitchell was recommended to the governor and council as a suitable person to be appointed a justice of the peace.
March 29, 1827. The first record of a district meeting for election of representative occurs. Thomas Peverly, Jr., of Northumberland, was elected from the towns of Milan, Northumberland, Stratford and Piercy - classed. There is no record of any representative from Milan except in the years when the meeting was held in Milan. The town was classed with other towns until 1851, when O. M. Twitchell, M. D., was elected the first representative from Milan alone.
September 12, 1827. James EL Horn was licensed to keep a tavern in his dwelling house, in said Milan, and to retail liquors in small quantities.
November 3, 1828. At the Presidential election the electoral ticket headed by George Harvey had twelve votes and the one leaded by George Sullivan had six votes.
March 10, 1829. Voted "to put the Literary fund at interest, the income to be used for the support of schools."
June 28, 1830. Voted. " Those of the inhabitants that are needy, make application to the Selectmen for their bread this summer." (Nothing said about butter.) Voted, " To choose a new land agent as the old one has absconded."
March 8, 1831. Voted "to put guide boards at North branch bridge — near Milan corner and at the Lake place."
March 13, 1832. Voted to give Daniel G. Ellingwood $15 for his expenses taking David Robbins, supposed murderer of Abner Hinds, of Milan. Voted, "To instruct the Select men to lay out a highway through lands of Suel Lary to the Androscoggin river for the benefit of a ferry." Forty-two votes were cast at the Presidential election this year.
November 7, 1836. Voted for building an insane hospital, yes, twelve; no, four.
March 14, 1837. Voted to receive the surplus money (supposed to have been derived from U. S. treasury), and pledge the faith of the town for the safe keeping according to the law. Voted Thomas Wheeler, Jr., agent to receive the same. Voted — To divide and loan the surplus money to the several inhabitants in the following ratio: one-half by the polls, the other half by the tax they paid in '36. Voted That all notes be given on demand without interest, to be secured by such security as the Agent may think for the interest of the town.
March 13, 1838. Voted on revision of the Constitution, yeas, two; nays, forty-five. Voted on law for town clerks to record deeds; yeas, twenty-six; nays, eighteen. Voted on division of the town; yeas, forty: nays, twelve.
March 12, 1839. Voted, That each man be given up his note given for surplus money, and the town be holden fi ir the same.
November, 1810. Fifty-nine votes cast for President.
March, 1841. There were eighty-seven names on the check list. The highest tax on the resident money tax list in 1844 was $11.22 against Dustin P. Ordway. November. On the question, " Shall capital punishment be abolished?" the town voted, yeas, sixteen; nays, forty-three.
March, 1848. Voted that the school committee shall not visit the schools unless called upon.
1850. Ann Hint raised for schools, $150. Highways, $500. All other purposes, $450. October 8, 1850. Elected Benjamin Thompson delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
March 11, 1851. Voted to raise $550 to pay for the bridge now building across the Androscoggin river. Chose James M. Phipps agent for laying out the same. Chose Adams Twitchel, Henry Paine, and Adua Folsom to superintend the building of the bridge.
March 11, 1852. At an adjourned annual meeting, it was "Voted to instruct the Selectmen to obtain an under-pass under the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R. without cost if possible, but to obtain one at all events." The town obtained the under-pass, but not without a great deal of trouble with the company; the inhabitants of the town and the employes of the company coming nearly to blows on several occasions.
November 2, 1852. Seventy-nine votes were cast for President.
March 8, 1853. On the question of dividing the county of Coos into two judicial districts, the vote stood sixty against the proposition and none for it.
In 1856 the Presidential vote stood: Buchanan, ninety-one; Freemont, eighty-four.
March, 1858. Voted, That the selectmen be instructed to investigate and ascertain the standing of the town as far back as possible, and make a report, if it takes the whole year.
November, 1860. The Presidential vote was Democrat, fifty-four; Republican, eighty-three.
Action on in the Rebellion. - At a special town meeting held September 1, 1862, it was voted to pay a bounty of $100 to every man mustered into the service of the U. S., on the quota of the town for two last calls of 300,000 each.
March, 1863. Voted that the selectmen aid families of volunteers as they think proper under the law. August 15. 1863. Voted not to pay drafted men any bounty. December 7, 1863. Voted that the town assume the bounties offered by the state and U. S., and pay them to all enlisted men and substitutes. Said soldiers to assign them to the town. Voted to pay each volunteer $100 in addition to the State and U. S. bounties.
March. 1864. " Voted to adopt the resolution presented by James M. Phipps as follows: Resolved, That the Selectmen of Milan be instructed to give to families or dependents, entitled to State aid from said town, a town order for the amount they may be entitled to, payable at the office of the town Treasurer the first day of September next after date; said order to draw interest six months after date." July 20, 1864. The town voted to pay $300 for one year volunteers, $400 for two years volunteers, $500 for three years volunteers, $300 for each drafted man, and for the selectmen to furnish substitutes as cheap as possible to procure them. November, 1864. On a proposition to change the Constitution so as to allow soldiers to vote in the field, the town voted yea sixty-nine, nay two.
January 1, 1865. Voted to raise money enough to fill the quota of the town, and to pay drafted men or their substitutes $200 for one year. March, 1865. Voted to pay back to all drafted men who had furnished substitutes, what they had paid out in excess of $300.
1867. Voted to raise $600 tor schools, $800 for highways, and $3,000 for all other purposes.
March, 1868. Voted to petition Congress to levy a tax on all bonds of the U. S., not exceeding one per cent, semi-annually, and make the same a lien on the coupons and interest of said bonds, and set the same apart as a sinking fund to be applied to the purchase of the debts of the U. S., in such a manner as Congress may direct. Vote for President, 1868, Republican ninety-three. Democratic fifty-seven.
March, 1871. Voted to
appropriate a sum of money (not exceeding 5 per cent, of the school money) for
prizes in schools, to be given to the scholars according to their merits.
October 28, 1871. Voted to build a new bridge across the Androscoggin river.
March, 1873. Voted to raise $1,000 for schools, $1,200 for highways, and
$1,000 for all other purposes.
November, 1876. Chose Adams Twitchel delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
November, 1884. The vote for President was, Republican 117, Democratic 85. On the eleventh ballot James M. Phipps was elected representative to the General Court. [He died May 3, 1885, and Alvinza A. Higgins was elected to fill the vacancy May 26, 1885.]
March. 1886. Voted for highways, $1,000. for schools, $1,000, for town debt $1,000, for all other purposes $1,000. On the vote to call a Constitutional Convention it stood yeas 53, noes 2. The total valuation of the town for the year 1886 was $261,670. Amount raised for all purposes $5,756.74. Number of names on check list 220.
Civil List. — Town Clerks. James H. Horn, 1825; Ransom Twitchell, 1826-29, 1831-32, 1834-35, 1837; Gilman Twitchell, 1833, 1814-15; Thomas Wheeler, Jr., 1836-38; Peter Walker. 1839; *Peter Wheeler, 1839-41, 1846-47: Almon Hutchinson, 1842-43, 1855; Ozmon M. Twitchell, 1848-54, 1858-59; Larkin Pettengill, 1856-57, 1863, 1874; *Peter A. G. W. Phipps, 1859, 1864-66; Franklin Wheeler, 1860-62; Samuel F. Mathes, 1867; Abner K. Cole, 1868; Albert Cole, 1869-70; *Solomon J. Hayward, 1870; Richard H. Meserve, 1871-73, 1875, 1879; Burleigh Roberts, 1876; George W. Blanchard, 1877-78; James S. Phipps. 1880-87.
Selectmen. — Cyrus Twitchell, Abner Hinds, Isaac Harris authorized to call the first meeting. Isaac Hagar, Edward Richardson, Daniel G. Ellingwood, selectmen to organize permanently. Edward Richardson, 1825, 1836; Ransom Twitchell, 1825, 1830-32, 1834-38, 1841; Abner Hinds, 1825; Aaron Wight. 1826; Janes 11. Horn. 1826-27, 1829, 1840; Isaac Stearns. 1826; Isaac Harris. 1827, 1830; Daniel G. Ellingwood. 1827-29; Cyrus Twitchell, 1828; Emerson Cole, 1828, 1831, 1837, 1844-46, 1849; John Small, 1829, 1831-32, 1834; Isaac Hagar, 1830, 1832. 1839; Thomas Wheeler, Jr., 1833, 1836; Elijah Phipps, 1883, 1887; Gilman Twitchell, 1833: Francis Lang, 1834; Henry Snow, 1835-36; Benjamin Flint, 1836, 1839-40; Adna Folsom, 1838; Moses Bodgdon, 1838; Thomas J. Ordway, 1839; Peter Wheeler, 1840, 1844; Addison Hamlin, 1841; Lewis Hutchinson, 1841-43; Joshua Parker, 1842-41: George T. Roberts, 1842-43, 1848, 1852-53, 1860,1864: Henry Paine, 1845; Lorenzo D. Peabody, 1846; Phillip Pettengill. 1846-47; Daniel Evans. 1847-48; Charles A. Wardwell, 1847, 1857, 1862-63; Clayton Twitchell, 1848-49; Uriah Evans. 1849, 1856, 1863. 1874; Simon Cole, 1850-51, 1858, 1865, 1868; Chase E. Parker, 1850-51; Almon Hutchinson. 1850-53, 1855; Adams Twitchel. 1852; Samuel B. Coffin, 1853-54, 1857; Peter A. G. W. Phipps, 1854-55; Anthony Nay. 1854-55; Moses Hodgdon, Jr., 1856-57, 1863-67, 1870-71, 1874-75: Solomon J. Hayward. 1856: James M. Phipps. 1858-59, 1862, 1865-67; Samuel F. Mathes, 1858; Columbus Lane, 1859, 1868; Nathan Fogg, 1859, 1883; Cyrus D. Hamlin, 1800-61: Charles N. Hodgdon, 1860-62, 1869, 1879-80; Charles E. Phipps, 1861, 1866; Edwin P. Hutchinson, 1864; Luther F. Kingsbury, 1866; Benjamin T. Roberts, 1867; Charles P. Bickford, 1868-69; Ira L Newell, 1869; George G. Gates, 1870; John L. Willard, 1870-71; Lorenzo P. Adley, 1871-73; Calvin P. Stevens, 1872, 1882; Walter H. Evans, 1872-73, 1876-77, 1881-82: Simon Fogg, 1873; Theodore Morin, 1874; George E. Lale. 1875; Dennis B. York, 1875, 1877-78; Rueben W. Higgins, 1876; John H. Chandler, 1877-79; Hiram E. Ellingwood, 1878, 1884-87; Oliver P. Robbins, 1879; George W. Page, 1880; Ralph Cole. 1880-87; James C. Fogg, 1881; Ransom A. Twitchell, 1883-85; Sumner H. Ordway, 1886-87.
Treasurers. — James H. Horn, 1825; Edward Richardson, 1826-27; Isaac Harris, 1828-34; Thomas Wheeler Jr., 1835, 1838; Lewis Eutchinson, 1836, 1840-41, 1844; Board of Selectmen, 1837, Elijah Phipps, 1839, 184647; Peter Wheeler, 1842-43: Israel P. Green, 1845; George Russell, 1848, George T. Roberts, 1849-52, 1854-59, 1871; John Chandler, 1853; Nathan Bickford, 1860-64; Joseph H. Vincent, 1865, 1868; George G., 1866-67; Solomon J. Hayward, 1869; Abner Keith. 1870; Theodore Morin, 1872-74; Peter A. G. W. Phipps, 1875-77; Cyrus D. Hamlin, 1878-79; Ransom A. Twitchell, 1880-82; Samuel A. Collins, 1883-87.
Representatives to the General Court. — Ransom Twitchell, 1831, 1835, classed; Peter Walker, 1839, classed; Amos Green, 1843, classed; Joshua Parker, 1845, 1850, classed; Peter Wheeler, 1849, classed; Hiram T. Ellingwood, 1852, classed; Ozmon M. Twitchell, 1854-55; Chase E. Parker, 1856-57; Samuel F. Mathers, 1858-59; Columbus Lane, 1860-61; Charles E. Phipps, 1862-63; George T. Roberts, 1864-65; Cyrus D. Hamlin. 1866, 1878; Moses Hodgdon, Jr., 1867,1869; Aimer Keith. 1868; Charles W. Hodgdon, 1870-71; Freeland Hutchinson, `872-73; Lorenzo P. Adley, 1874-75; Adams Twitchet, 1876; Peter A. G. W. Phipps, 1877; Burleigh Roberts, 1879; Voted not to send, 1880; George W. Page, 1882; James M. Phipps, 1884: Alvinza A. Higgins, 1884; Dennis B. York, 1886.
First Mills in Milan. — Early in this century, probably before the War of 1812, a mill was erected by one Eames who received a grant of land from the proprietors for doing so. It consisted of a primitive saw-mill with an "up-and-down" saw with a wooden crank, and a grist-mill with stones about as large as grindstones. How they were transported hither tradition fails to tell. This mill stood near Milan Water Station, now Copperville, and cutout quite an amount of lumber, and was quite a benefit to the scattering settlers. William Leighton, who came to Dummer in 1812, shortly after built a barn, and had the roofboards sawed at this mill. Much of the way there was no road, and the boards were carried on the roadless portion up the hill on the backs of men, who received a glass of rum for each board brought up. The old mill, its owners, and its patrons have long since gone to decay, only the mill-stones remaining to excite the imagination of the wondering individual who finds them in their brush-surrounding resting place.
The first mill on the Ammonoosuc was built as early as 1835 on lot 7, range 3, first division, by a company consisting of Henry Snow, of Effingham, Dr. Loren Hildreth, and one Roberts, of Parsonsfield, Me. This was first conducted by Mr. Snow, afterward by Anthony Nay, and, during 1838 or '39, the property was sold to Amos Green, of Berlin, who rebuilt the mill on a larger scale. He carried it on until the California fever broke out, when, leaving it in the charge of his son George A. (who, it is said, made more money out of it than did his father,) in 1850, he went to California. In 1855 Alvinza A. Higgins, of Saco, Me., purchased it from Tasker & Boyd, who then had the property, he soon sold an interest to his brother, Reuben W., and they jointly conducted business here until the death of the latter, in June, 1884, since which time A. A. Higgins has been proprietor. In August, 1857, occurred a terrible thunder-storm, which raised the river seven feet within six hours, swept off the mills, and caused other great destruction. The mill was at once rebuilt. It contains now a rotary saw, an edger, a shingle-machine, and a grist mill. It manufactures from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 of lumber per annum, and employs from twenty to twenty-five men.
Alfred
N. Twitchell, in 1868, with others, built and run in Milan the first steam
starch-mill in operation in New Hampshire. He continued in this till 1875.
Milan Mine. — In August, 1877, Nathan Fogg, while haying, went to the small
stream, called "William Fogg brook," to get a drink, and saw something
glittering on the bottom in an apparently metallic vein of about four feet in
width. He soon blasted in the rock containing the vein near the stream, sent
specimens to Prof. Huntington at Hanover, and had him come and examine the
place. Prof. H. found, by assaying, $58 gold, four ounces of silver, fifteen
percent, copper, and a trace of lead, to the ton. The land was bonded to one
Zalmon Taylor, who sunk a shaft twenty feet, but did not develop further. It was
then leased and bonded successively to Charles H. Souther and D. F. Leavitt, who
did not do much work. In 1881 Mr. Fogg sold the mine to Hanson Gregory, Jr., for
$7,500; he operated it for some time, and sold to Boston and Portland parties,
who erected buildings, employed from sixty-five to seventy men during 1884 and
'85. and accomplished much work.
The vein was followed about fifty rods and to a depth of 200 feet. The richer metals diminished in quantity as the shaft left the surface; copper became the chief metal in the vein, exhibited chiefly as a sulphuret. The sulphur formed an important element of profit in working the mine, and, on account of its low value, the work was stopped in the fall of 1886.
Business Interests. — Previous to 1838 the inhabitants of Milan were obliged to go to Shelburne or Lancaster for all "store" goods used. Some of the first settlers made the trip to Shelburne and back on foot in a day, bringing a load of from fifty to seventy-five pounds. They used to make considerable potash, shaved pine shingles, etc., carry them to Harrison, Me., or to Portland with an ox-team, bringing back supplies; the most important of which was a generous supply of old New England rum. A barrel of rum was calculated to be of as much value in a family in a year as a good cow. About 1838 Ransom Twitchell commenced keeping a small assortment of goods in his house which he continued until 1844. Israel P. Green was in trade from 1844 to 1846, when he sold out to Fordyce Burbank, who took in as partner, John Hamlin. In 1847 the store was burned and their business closed up. From 1847 to 1850 Jacob & Hiram T. Ellingwood kept a store in connection with their potash business. About 1850 Davis, Frasier & Co., (Abner Davis, John L. Frasier and Fred A. Crafts,) formed a partnership. In 1851 Mr. Frasier sold out his interest to his partners, the firm being "'Davis & Crafts"; in 1852 Mr. Crafts sold his interest to Merrill C. Forist, firm "Davis & Forist." In 1854 or '55 they sold out to David Meserve, who continued in trade until 1865 or '66, the last year of his business he had associated with him Solomon J. Hayward, firm name ''Meserve & Hayward." In 1852 a new firm entered the mercantile business — Adams Twitchel and James M. Phipps — continuing until 1856, when they sold out to "Bickford, Wheeler & Davis" (Sullivan T. Bickford, Franklin Wheeler and Columbus Davis). In 1858 they disposed of their interest to "J. A. & J. W. Greenlaw," who continued until 1861. In 1863 "Wardwell & Paine" (Charles A. Wardwell and Gardiner C. Paine) began trade in the store formerly occupied by the Greenlaws. In 1866 Mr. Paine sold his interest to Theodore Morin. The next fall Mr. Wardwell disposed of his interest to Columbus Lane, firm "Morin & Lane." In 1869 Mr. Lane bought out Mr. Morin and continued in trade alone until 1874 when he closed up his business and moved away. In 1863 Samuel E. Paine built a small store on the site now occupied by A. Blake and occupied it until 1866, when he sold to Cyrus D. & Charles H. Hamlin. In 1867 they sold to George G. Gates, who remained until 1872, when he sold out to Alfred N. and Ransom A. Twitchell. After a few months Ransom A. sold his interest to George W. Page (firm name "Twitchell & Page"). In the spring of 1874 their store was burned, and the goods saved were sold to the firm of "York & Twitchell," (Dennis B. York and Ransom A. Twitchell,) who continued in partnership until 1881 when Mr. Twitchell sold to Mr. York who is still in business.
In 1868 John W. Greenlaw built the store now occupied by George E. Dale. It was used by various parties for different purposes. Appleton Blake commenced trade there about 1872 or '73 and occupied it until he moved into the store where he now is. In 1866 Daniel & Jabez P. Evans began merchandising in the old Greenlaw store, but were burned out in the spring of 1867, thus closing their business. In 1868 the firm of J. M. Phipps & Co. bought the building now owned by S. A. Collins, fitted it up and commenced trade, the firm consisting of James M. and Peter A. G. W. Phipps and Cyrus D. Hamlin. After about two months Mr. Hamlin sold his interest to his partners, who, in 1874, took in James S. Phipps as partner; they continued business until 1878 when they sold out to George E. Dale, who still continues in business.
About 1876 a ''Grange" of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in town, and the scheme of co-operative trade was tried. For several reasons it was a failure and finally ended in the organization of the firm of W. A. Willis & Co., (William A. Willis, Carleton W. Muzzy, Charles P. Bickford and Sullivan T. Bickford,) who continued in business until 1884. In 1884 Henry L. Steinfeld occupied the store vacated by W. A. Willis & Co. and is still in trade.
C. Williamson is postmaster at Milan.
West Milan. Merchants, Etc. — The first regular store was opened at West Milan by Ezra Horn, about the year 1850, when the Grand Trunk railway was being built. In 1857 Simon Cole commenced trade in the store opposite the railroad station, and continued until 1860, when he sold out to his son, Lewis H. Cole, who built the store now occupied by Roberts & Forbush, and in 1865 disposed of his business to Edwin W. Wilkinson, who closed out in 1869 and moved to Groveton. In 1870 Hutchinson & Morin (Freeland Hutchinson and Theodore Morin) occupied the same store. They continued three years; in 1874 Mr. Morin sold out to Mr. Hutchinson. In 1874 or '5) Mr. Hutchinson sold out to Blanchard Bros. (George W., Charles N., and Fred H.,) and the next year Charles N. sold to his partners, and the firm name became "G. W. & F. H. Blanchard" until 1879, when the partnership was dissolved. In the year 1860 O. H. Nay commenced business in the store below the depot; he continued in trade until 1874 or '75, and has not done much since. In 1880 Fred H. Blanchard occupied the store formerly owned by O. H. Nay, and, with the exception of a few months, has occupied it ever since. Between Mr. Nay and Mr. Blanchard the building was occupied by a Mr. Bisbee, and by "True, Lovering & Co." for a short time. About 1870 Mr. George T. Roberts commenced trade in the store opposite the depot, and continued about three years, when he sold out to his son Burleigh, who conducted the business three years, then Benjamin T. Roberts traded in the same store one year or more. Since that time it has not been occupied. In 1879 Burleigh Roberts began trade again in the store formerly occupied by the Blanchards. In 1883 he associated with him Mr. Zenas W. Forbush, and the firm now remains "Roberts & Forbush," Mr. Forbush conducting the business.
The Blanchards have been leaders in business in West Milan for years. In manufacturing, in merchandising, and other industries they have been actively engaged. George W. is now conducting a steam-mill with a production of from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 of feet per annum. Hamlin & Company, of Milan, have a birch and poplar-mill; R. H. Cole manufactures shingles; C. M. C. Twitchel is an extensive farmer and lumberman. There are many good farmers in town, whose industry brings good results and adds to its financial status.
Church History. — The church history of Milan, as in many other towns, must of necessity be incomplete. The records of early work are few, old members have fallen out by the way, and tradition is uncertain. We have gleaned from various sources a few items which we present.
Nearly fifty years ago, the ever-active Methodist church had established a mission here on a circuit which also included Guildhall, Vt., Stark, Gorham, Randolph, and other towns, and among the first ministers on the circuit were William C. Bixby and Stephen Adams. The first work done here by the Methodists was done on Milan hill, and this locality is consequently the cradle of Methodism in Milan. In 1854 and 1855 Milan was included in the Haverhill district of the New Hampshire M. E. conference, and was supplied by Charles R. Homan. In 1856 Daniel W. Barber was the supply, and again in 1861. Between these dates we have no records. In 1863 the church was under the care of "church labor"; in 1864 Warren C. Applebee was the first pastor. In 1866 J. H. Knott and C. M. Barnes supplied the pulpit, and in 1867 C. M. Barnes was the preacher in charge. Since 1856 this charge had been in the Concord district.
In 1869 Rev. G. C. Noyes came to take charge of this church and remained three years, being assisted the first year by J. M. Copp. Rev. Mr. Noyes was followed by L. E. Gordon who remained on the charge three years. J. A. Steele was Mr. Gordon's successor. Remaining only one year, he was followed by William Woods, who stood at the helm three years, and guided the "old ship" during a dark period, when the dread disease, diphtheria, swept away many of the inhabitants, including two of his own family. Rev. Amos B. Russell followed Rev. Mr. Woods and remained on the charge two years, being succeeded by Rev. Otis S. Danforth who supplied the pulpit two years, doing excellent work. Rev. James D. LeGro, the present pastor, preached his first sermon in this church in September, 1885. [Mr. LeGro, although not now in robust health, is an able sermonizer, an agreeable writer, and is highly appreciated and esteemed as a preacher of the Gospel.]
The present society is made up of several denominations, Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists, "Advents," and Universalists; no one denomination represented being able to support a minister alone. Notwithstanding the fact that so many sects, differing in many respects, are brought together, the work is remarkably harmonious and free from strife. The present pastor, Rev. James D. Le Gro, is a Methodist clergyman, and a member of the New Hampshire conference. Since his coming to this society the church has been remodeled and repaired, and the society much improved. Best of all. there has been a gracious revival influence among the people and a goodly number of earnest Christian workers have been added to the ranks of "God's soldiers." The Sunday-school, with Mr. L. U. Cole for superintendent, is in a prosperous condition. The library contains about 500 volumes.
A partial list of the names of the original members of the Methodist church: Betsey Fogg, Insley Bean, Benjamin Bean, John L. Dustin, Ruth Peabody, Arvilla Hutchinson, May Hutchinson, Samuel G. Crafts, Sarah Crafts, Moses Robbins, Delindy Dustin, Arvilla Eastman, Samuel Farrington and wife, Lydia Cushman, Adaline Abbott, Stephen Abbott, Soloman J. Hayward, Sallie Bean, Sophia Bean, Rhoda Bean, John Peabody.
The present church building is a "union building," but for many years has been occupied by Methodist preachers. The building was erected in 1856, at an expense of about $2,200. It has since been repaired, and is now in a comfortable condition. The Methodist society owns a small house and lot, the probable value of which is $500. The union church was dedicated early in the month of August in 1856. The five denominations interested were each represented on this occasion by a clergyman who participated in the exercises. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. K. Chase, of Rumney, a Calvinistic Baptist minister.
Baptists. — Somewhere about the year 1838 a Calvinistic Baptist society was organized, and quite a goodly number of members obtained. Rev. Leonard Kingsbury, father of Luther Kingsbury, now residing in town, was for a time pastor. The meetings at this time were held in schoolhouses or in barns — in the latter place on special occasions. Rev. H. I. Campbell and Abram Bedel were also among the latter preachers for this denomination. Among the original members of this church were Addison Hamlin and wife, Whipple Willard and wife, Nathan Bickford and wife, Ormando Lary and wife, Joshua Parker and wife, James M. Phipps, Dorcas Phipps, Ransom Twitchel, Cyrus Twitchel. In about the year 1843 the Free Will Baptists organized a society with Rev. Elijah Griffin as pastor. The society was never large, and continued their organization only a few years. Philip Wight, an uncle of Isaac Wight now residing in Dummer, was at one time pastor of this church.
Civil War. — The true principle of patriotism was exemplified by those sons of the American Union who volunteered their services and courageously fought its battles with faces steadfastly turned toward its foes, and who braved every danger, not from hopes of preferment, but that the tricolored flag of red, white and blue should forever be unfurled from the nation's capitol.
When the President's call for 300,000 men was made in the fall of 1863, the quota for the town of Milan was ten. When the time was nearly up the selectmen made preparations to obtain substitutes from other towns, but they were forestalled by this circumstance. On the Saturday evening previous to the Monday, the day they were to put their plans into action, ten young men, or rather boys, met at a blacksmith's shop near "Ellingwood's Hotel," and, with closed doors and extinguished lights, they all, then and there, agreed to volunteer, and themselves fill the town's quota. These young men were Sylvester Newell, Samuel Ordway, Nathaniel P. Ordway, John L. Ordway, Walter H. Evans, James Pettengill, George L. Vincent, Charles H. Hamlin, Charles Ellingwood, and Henry F. Paine. They were schoolmates, and such friends as young men usually are who grow to manhood together in a country town. Their determination was soon made known to the selectmen, and, accompanied by two of them, the embryo soldiers started for Lebanon. No attempt will be made to describe the good times these "boys" had en route, but they arrived in season, sought the enlisting officer the first night, and were told to be on hand the next morning. Bright and early all, except Henry F. Paine, who was too ill, presented themselves at the enlisting office, were examined and enlisted, given a nine days' furlough, and went home to prepare for — they knew not what. They reported at the proper time, were sent to Concord, being mustered into the United States service while on the way, and, as recruits at that time were mostly drafted men or substitutes, they, being volunteers, were chosen to act as guard while in camp, and also allowed to visit the city when they wished. They had their choice of joining the Sixth, Ninth, or Eleventh New Hampshire regiments: they chose the Ninth, and with, about 500 other men started to join their respective regiments, and had the honor of being placed on guard on the journey. After their arrival at Paris, Ky., the headquarters of the Ninth, they were assigned to Company E then performing guard duty at Kizer's Station on the railroad from Paris to Cincinnati, Ohio. It was here that the nine Milan boys first received instruction in military manoeuvres and tactics. They remained for a month, when the regiment was ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., to join the Ninth corps under Burnside. On this march they were first convinced that it was not all fun to be a soldier. After marching a few days they came to camp, — Nelson, Ky., — where they found the Sixth New Hampshire, and their townsman Aaron White. They went to rest that night without any covering but a blanket, and when they awoke in the morning they had an additional covering of eight inches of snow. Here the first death in this band of nine occurred. James Pettengill was ill and removed to the hospital; three days after two of the "boys" went to see him, but they only found the dead body of their comrade. Before the funeral rites were performed, the regiment was under marching orders, and Pettengill was buried by strangers. Such are the vicissitudes of the soldier's life! Their next resting-place was Camp Isabella, Ky. Here Charles Ellingwood was taken sick, and had to be left behind, and when his companions returned, four or five weeks later, he, too, had been laid in a soldier's grave, far from home and friends. Nothing of importance occurred to the Milanites between this and Knoxville, except the usual trials and privations of a soldier, such as running short of rations, and thinking parched corn a luxury, and an attack one dark night on a "reported" camp of rebels, when about fifty selected men, three of whom were "Milan boys," surrounded a supposed rebel camp, and captured two old men who were watching fires to keep them from spreading. As soon as the regiment reached Knoxville, the Ninth corps was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, then near Washington, which they did in season to be partakers in General Grant's famous campaign "On to Richmond."
The first battle in which the Milan boys were fairly engaged was that of Spottsylvania Court House. There, on the 12th of May, they received their first baptism by fire. In this engagement Walter H. Evans had one heel shot off; Samuel Ordway received a very severe wound; John L. Ordway was wounded in the shoulder and in the foot, lived to reach his home, and died among his friends. On the 18th of May the regiment supported the "Irish Brigade" in a charge, and here Charles H. Hamlin and Sylvester Newell were wounded. There were now only two of the "nine" left able for duty— Nathaniel P. Ordway and George L. Vincent. At the battle of North Anna River, George L. Vincent was slightly wounded; he remained with his regiment, but was not on duty; Nathaniel P. Ordway, the only Milan boy then able to carry a musket, did good and efficient service. Some time in June, Vincent reported for duty, was with his regiment until two days before Burnside's mine was sprung, when he was detailed for duty in the quartermaster's department, and continued there until the close of the war.
Nathaniel P. Ordway was now again alone, but when the mine was sprung he was wounded, and there was not a Milan boy left in the regiment. In the fall Walter H. Evans and Charles H. Hamlin returned to duty, and, in one of the battles for the possession of the Weldon railroad, Hamlin was again wounded, and did not afterwards rejoin his regiment. Walter H. Evans was promoted, and, at his discharge, he was orderly sergeant of his company.
Of these nine school-mates, brave soldiers and loyal citizens, James Pettengill, Charles Ellenwood and John L. Ordway died in service.
S. A. Collins, who came to Milan in March, 1879, was a soldier
in the great civil war, a member of Company K, Twentieth Maine Infantry.
Capt. Lorenzo P. Adley, who held every important office in his town, and was
representative two years, served nearly five years in the Union army in the
Rebellion, was twice promoted on the field for bravery, received severe wounds
in service, and rose from the rank of a private to that of a captain. He married
Ruth, daughter of Moses Hodgdon, and at his death left a legacy of untainted
honor, bravery and integrity to his children.
Col. Welcome A. Crafts, son of Samuel Crafts, was a native of Milan, and enlisted in the great civil war as a private, and rose rapidly to the rank of colonel. He is a brilliant and talented man, and a successful lawyer in Texas.
Physicians. — The first physician to settle in Milan was Dr. Banfield, who staid but a short time. The next was Dr. Brown who died very soon after moving here.
Dr. Ozmon M. Twitchell was born at Bethel, Maine, June 29, 1819, was brought up on a farm, attending district school two terms a year. At the age of eighteen he entered Goulds academy where he remained four years. He then attended a course of lectures at Dartmouth Medical school, in the fall of 1845, and afterwards, at Woodstock, Vt., where he graduated in June, 1846. He commenced the practice of medicine at Milan the same year. He remained at Milan thirteen years, when he removed to Bethel. While at Milan he was twice elected to the legislature, being the first representative sent by Milan alone. He served ten years as town clerk; was a good citizen and generally well liked as a physician.
Dr. William Berry Lapham, well-known in Maine as a historian, practiced medicine here six months, during Dr. Twitchell's absence.
Don A. Robinson, M. D., was born at West Charleston, Vt., February 29, 1836. He was the oldest son of Dr. Elijah Robinson, a prominent physician of his town. His medical studies were almost entirely under the direction of his father. His first course of medical lectures was commenced at Dartmouth Medical school in 1858. After completing this course he taught one term of school in his native village. The following spring he became a student of Vermont University Medical school, where he graduated among the first of his class in June, 1859. He settled in Milan in January, 1860, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Twitchell. It is remembered that on his arrival at his new home his general appearance was not particularly reassuring to those who had been accustomed to old and tried physicians, Pale-faced, beardless, and not quite twenty-four years old, he hardly looked equal to filling the position of pedagogue to a back district school. But the young doctor had come to stay, and while quacks and electricians held sway for a few months, he rapidly grew into favor among all classes, as a safe, judicious, and skillful physician, and soon acquired a large practice. In the winter of 1865 he was offered and accepted the position of assistant surgeon of the Fifth Regt. N. H. Vols. At the close of the war he returned to Milan, but only to remain a short time, his health having become impaired by his military service. He afterward located in Vermont, and is now in Canada.
Dr. Richard H.
Meserve was born in Limington, Me., December 4, 1819. He read medicine with Dr.
E. R. Peaslee, attended one course of medical lectures at Dartmouth Medical
school and two courses at Brunswick (Me.) Medical school, from which he
graduated in April, 1852. He enlisted in the Thirteenth Maine Infantry (Col.
Dow) in the fall of 1861, and served until the spring of 1862, when he resigned
and entered the First Louisiana Regt. Vols, as assistant surgeon, remaining
until November 7, 1864, when he resigned and settled in Limerick, Me., where he
practiced medicine until 1866. He then moved to Milan, bought out Dr. Robinson's
practice, and held it about fourteen years. He then sold out to Dr. Holt.
J. D. Holt, M. D., commenced the practice of medicine in Milan in August,
1878, remaining here until November, 1882. He was born in Rumford, Me., August
15, 1847, and commenced the study of medicine in 1870, with Dr. J. K. Kimball,
of Pembroke, N. H. After three years' study and a course of lectures at
Dartmouth Medical college, and teaching several terms of school, he then
accepted a position in the High school at Oxford, Me., for three years. In 1877
he entered the "Portland (Me.) School for Medical Instruction." After one year's
course in this school he took his degree of M. D. at Bowdoin Medical college in
June, 1878.
Dr. Joseph J. Cobb was born in Stoneham, Me., February 2, 1853. His early education was attained in the common schools, supplemented by attendance at Gorham seminary and Fryeburg academy. Having engaged in teaching and become deeply interested in the work, and wishing to take a course of professional training, he entered the Normal school at Farmington, Me., where he graduated in 1877. The two following years he was principal of High schools in Maine. While engaged in teaching he pursued the study of medicine, taking his first course of lectures at the Maine Medical school in the spring of 1879. He attended three full courses of lectures and graduated at the above school in 1881. In November, 1882, Dr. Cobb succeeded to the practice of Dr. Holt in Milan, where he now resides. He has always been deeply interested in the cause of education, and has served as superintending school committee for three successive years, holding the position of chairman of the board of education at present. In the practice of his profession Dr. Cobb has had excellent success which he justly merits.
A Novel Marriage Certificate. — In the town records of Berlin we find the following: —
"State of New Hampshire Coos
ss
"Be it remembered that at Milan in the State and County aforesaid on the
eighteenth day of November in year of our Lord 1838 Job I. Bean and Sally H.
Coffin the former of Berlin and latter of Milan State and County aforesaid were
given in marriage.
"F. I. Bean. Justice Peace
"F. I. Bean, Town Clerk."
As early as 1765, the Twitchel family settled in Dublin, N. H., and in 1770, when there were only twenty-three voters in the town, there were four of the name. A circular, bearing date April 12, 1776, desiring all males above twenty-one years of age, who were in accord with the "honorable Continental Congress, to sign a Declaration of the same," was as follows: —
"We, the subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our power, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies against the United American Colonies."
Of the fifty-three names subscribed, that of Twitchel was prominent in numbers: Joseph Twitchel, Ebenezer Twitchel, Samuel Twitchel, Stephen Twitchel, Abijah Twitchel, Gershom Twitchel and Gershom Twitchel, Jr. Samuel was a Revolutionary soldier. Dr. Amos Twitchell, for so long a time the autocrat of surgery in New England, was of this family. Abel Twitchel, an early inhabitant of Dublin, N. H., was a lineal descendant in the sixth degree from Joseph, of Dorchester, Mass., who was admitted freeman in 1634. Joseph was the owner of 100 acres of the first grants in Sherborn. Abel, born May 28, 1751, in Sherborn, married Sarah Adams, of the noted Adams family of Massachusetts. Their son Cyrus was born in Dublin, N. H., March 13, 1788, and died in Milan, September 19, 1873. He married Eunice, daughter of Nathaniel Belknap. She was a native of Dublin, born March 8, 1788, died April 4, 1856. Cyrus was a farmer, and, when a young man, he went to the then new town of Bethel, Me., and located on a piece of wild land. After residing there for several years he came to Milan, and settled on Milan hill in 1824, and, about 1828, he removed to the place which his grandson, Cassius M. C. Twitchel, now occupies, and developed a fine farm. Few of those who live in cities, villages, or other places than those where agricultural pursuits prevail, have any adequate conception of the immense amount of hard labor required to clear off the primitive forest and prepare the land for the first crop; nor have they any just appreciation of the degree of resolution, energy and endurance necessary to insure continued perseverance in subduing one piece of wild land after another. Cyrus Twitchel was one of three authorized to call the first town meeting, and was the first justice of the peace appointed in Milan; he held the commission for many years, and was generally known as "Squire" Twitchel. His politics were of the old Whig party and Free-Soil. A strong Abolitionist, he was one of the pioneers of that movement, and bold in avowing his opinions. He was a deeply devoted Christian, adhering strictly to the tenets of the Calvinistic Baptist church. He thought it wrong to speculate in land, believing that only by labor of the hands wealth should be acquired, and that the foresight, judgment and keenness of one man should not be turned to advantage against another. "Squire" Twitchel was a short, "thickset" man, kind hearted, a great reader, and retained his faculties to a remarkable age. About 1838 Mr. Twitchel and his wife made their home with their son Adams, and here, in his kindly household, old age came upon them, and after long, useful lives they passed on to the "home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Their children were Ransom (dec), Gilman (dec), Sullivan, Cyrus (dec), Hannah B. (Mrs. Nathan Bickford), Adams, Clayton (dec), Harvey (dec.) Ransom Twitchel possessed great ability; was a skillful penman, and could draft a legal document with all the force and accuracy of a learned lawyer; excelled in surveying, and, in many ways, was a valuable member of the community.
Adams Twitchel was born in Bethel, Me., January 27, 1812. He began his active, laborious life by working at lumbering when only fifteen years of age, having previously learned how to work and the value of good honest labor by assisting his father. At the age of twenty he purchased his time for $100 and went to the upper Penobscot valley, and hired out for two or three years. Returning to Milan, with his small savings he purchased the piece of land on which the church now stands, but soon sold it and bought the lot where he now resides which became the nucleus of his present farm. On this was a small clearing and a primitive log-house. This place he has added to and developed until about 300 fertile acres in a fine state of cultivation, a pleasant house, with an intelligent family, form one of those beautiful homes which are the substratum of New England's prosperity.
Mr. Twitchel is especially favored in his family relations. He married, October 31, 1843, Lusylvia, daughter of Ebenezer and Lois (Powers) Bartlett, of Bethel, Me., a descendant of two New England families of consideration from early colonial days. She is a lady of refinement and ability, who looketh well to the ways of her household. Their children were Claudius A. (a soldier of the Union in the late civil war, whose life was given to his country,); Virtue F.; Lois A.; Helen Mar (Mrs. P. G. Evans) (dec), who left one child, Helen C.; Cassius M. C. (who has three children, Mark A., Sydney and Eva.)
After his marriage Mr. Twitchel carried on lumbering in connection with farming, and became a large operator, also conducted merchandising some years, and gradually came to have extensive dealings in buying and selling timber-lands. In 1867 he bought the "Colebrook Academy grant" of 10,000 acres, soon sold it, then bought with George R. Eaton 18,000 acres in Clarksville, and other large tracts in Upper Coos and in Canada. Beside his real estate operations on the Connecticut he was engaged four years in lumbering there, and for ten years, until he closed out his interests, was one of the leading business men of that section. Two years of this time Mrs. Twitchel was in Lancaster for the purpose of giving their children the educational advantages of the academy of that place. Since then Mr. Twitchel has devoted himself to his affairs in the Androscoggin valley, and has been connected with many important matters of business, public policy, and social development.
Originally a Free-Soil Democrat, he became a Republican when that party came into being. Never a seeker of office he has been called to local and responsible positions. He was chosen captain of the first militia company formed in Milan in 1835. When the Atlantic & St. Lawrence railroad was "dumping" about fourteen feet in depth of dirt into one of the public highways of the town thus blockading it, Mr. Twitchel was elected selectman to fight for the rights of the town, and succeeded in getting an under-pass established, much to the gratification of his townsmen. He has been elected railroad commissioner, but declined to serve as his private affairs demanded his time; represented Milan in 1876, has often been referee in important and complex cases, and always has demonstrated his fairness and integrity, and shows, to quote the words of a prominent official, ''the most accurate judgment of any man I know." He is liberal to all deserving objects, and the poor and friendless remember him with thankfulness. Although not a member of any religious denomination, he gives generally to the churches, is a thoroughly good man, and practices more than he preaches. Some years since a clergyman was asked what he thought of Mr. Twitchel, and replied: "Mr. Twitchel swears sometimes, and that is wrong; he gets in hay on Sunday sometimes, and that is very bad; but I would gladly exchange half-a-dozen of my church members for one or two men just like him."
Mr. Twitchel is entitled to much credit for the energy he has displayed and the obstacles he has overcome. The story of his business has been briefly told, but he has not given his time solely to business matters. When a boy he studied at night and during leisure moments, and acquired a fair education; when a young man he was advised by his father to read American history, that he might become an intelligent voter, and from that time he has been a great reader of historical works and other solid literature, and thus has kept himself abreast of the times, and thoroughly informed on the topics of the day. His business life has been crowned with success; he has been untiring in his energy, careful and systematic in his methods, and honorable in his dealings, and while he has gained wealth, he has also won that greater boon, the sincere respect and esteem of those among whom his life has been passed. Courteous and hospitable to strangers, generous and kind in all his family relations, modest and unobtrusive in his manners, possessing infinite humor, and a strong, vigorous intellect, Mr. Twitchel ranks among the representative self-made men of Coos county, and the history of Milan would be incomplete without a record of his life.
James M. Phipps, son of Elisha and Dorcas (Harriman) Phipps, was born in Chatham, September 3, 1816, and moved to Milan in March, 1831. He worked at home on the farm nearly all the time until he was twenty-one years old. He then learned the trade of custom boot and shoe-making, which he followed for fifteen years, employing from one to five men. In 1852 he went into trade with Adams Twitchel, doing quite an extensive business for those days in lumbering in connection with their store. They sold out in the spring of 1856 to Bickford, Wheeler & Davis. He then gave his attention to farming until 1868, meantime building the stand occupied by him at the time of his death. In 1868 he formed a partnership with his brother Peter, and again went into the mercantile business, which he followed until May, 1878. After that time he attended to the improvement of his farm. He married, October 13, 1839, Lydia G., daughter of Amos Wheeler, of Milan, by whom he had seven children, only one of whom survives him, James S. Phipps, who occupies the home farm, and is a useful, intelligent and valuable citizen. He has rendered us much service in preparing this history. J. M. Phipps held the office of justice of the peace for forty-five years; his last commission expiring June, 1885. He was postmaster from 1861 to '64, and member of the board of selectmen of Milan for 1858-59, 1862, 1865-67, and was a member elect of the legislature of 1885. His death, causing the first vacancy in that body, resulted from paralysis, and occurred May 3, 1885.
Mr. Phipps was a self-made, upright, honorable man, highly esteemed by all; his death was a sad loss to the family and the community in which he lived. He was made a member of Gorham Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in May, 1863, and of North Star Chapter, Lancaster, in April, 1874. The funeral services were conducted under the auspices of Gorham Lodge, and the long procession of brethren, relatives and friends which followed his remains to their last resting place, gave better evidence of his character and worth than words can express.
Peter A. G. W. Phipps, born in Chatham, Carroll county, April 21, 1824, was the son of Elijah and Dorcas Phipps, who moved to Milan about the year 1831, to the farm where Leonard K. Phipps now lives. He married, November 27, 1845, Abby W., daughter of Rev. Leonard Kingsbury, of Milan, by whom he had five children, two sons and three daughters. When about twenty-one he had a very severe attack of "lung fever" from which he never fully recovered. He died November 27, 1880.
Mr. Phipps held all the offices in town and represented it in the legislature of 1877. He was very genial in his manners and had many warm friends. A distinguished citizen of this state wrote on hearing of his death: "For many years I have enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of Mr. Phipps. I have had continued business relations with him, and have been frequently associated with him in public, political and social affairs, and it is a pleasure to me to reflect on the unvarying courtesy, patience and fidelity always displayed by him in all these relations. As the column moves on its members decrease with accelerating rapidity. Each year chronicles to me the loss of good men and kind friends with whom it has been my fortune to march, and I can truly say that no nobler or kinder heart has ceased its action — among my associates— than that of our good friend, who has gone to his rest crowned with the memories of an honorable and useful life." Mr. Phipps was made a Mason in Gorham Lodge in May, 1863, received the second degree of Royal Arch Masonry in April, 1874; was a member of North Star Chapter at Lancaster, N. H. His funeral services were conducted by Gorham Lodge, F. A. & A. M., and were largely attended.
Hon. Liberty Haven Hutchinson, son of Edwin F. and Elizabeth (Flint) Hutchinson, was born in Milan, March 1, 1844. He passed his early life upon his father's farm, and had plenty of hard work. He laid the foundation of his intellectual career in the little district school of his native town, entered Lancaster academy in 1864, graduated in 1867, then was a student for three years at Bates college, Lewiston, Me. To meet the necessary expenses for his academic and collegiate education he taught school winters and labored summers. In March, 1870, he commenced the study of law, and such was his application and special aptitude for legal lore, that at the September term of court he was admitted to the bar, and the firm of which he was afterward a prominent member was said to be the strongest before the bar of Androscoggin county. He served in both branches of the city council of Lewiston; was three times called to represent that city in the Maine legislature, and on his third election was unanimously chosen speaker of the House of Representatives, and held that position at the time of his death, September 8, 1882.
Contributed 2025 Oct 04 by Norma Hass, extracted from History of Coos County, New Hampshire by Georgia D. Merrill, published in 1888, pages 83-853.
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