Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-04-01

cfOrtS. Al the secOnu pIan'atioh HScc
ing of which we have any record, vote
was passed to raise twenty pounds Tor the
support OF n school in said plantation
We also find that the whole number Of
votes thrown in the territory (now COM
prising Sumner and HartlordD for rep.
rcsentative to Congress, was twenty-five,
twcnty-one of which were cast for Peleg
Wadsworth, Esq, and one for William
Widgery. From this we sec that these
hardy, enterprising and noble men were
willing to raise nearly one pound,o or about
five dollars per man, for the support OF
one school an example worthy of emula-
ton
Next. let us look and see where the
first schools were held. Mrs. Abigail!
Keen. still living in town, taught one oi
her fist schools in barn The barn floor
was used until "Uncle Nathan Sampson"
wanted to get in his hay, when the tic up
was resorted too. Mr.. Simpsons good
wife. daughter of Rev. Mr.. Rowland,
instructed pupils in her humble cot, some
of whom are still alive 10 bless the day.
The first school-house erected in town, a
rude log building formerly situated near
the present neat, comfortable one, near
Cant. Stetson's, is now used by Capt
Lewis Bisbee for wood house, aud is in
good repair. The first Experimenting
School Committee in town were Alvin
Robinson, Benz. Ileald and Isaac Bonny.
500 was raised for schools that year.
The fist Westinghouse in town was
located near the present beautiful StrHct-
ure called the town-house, where people
regularly met each Sabbath to hear the
cheering word OF the Gospel, dispensed
by the venerable Father Samuel Sewell,
so widely known rs an efficient laborer
in the Masters cause. Many OF our VEN
cradle sires and noble Mothers in Israel
used to travel several miles, over rough
and hilly roads. on horseback or on foot,
through Summers heat and Winters chill
ing blast. and sit patiently for hours in
that memorable old two storicd building,
unwarmed by any fire, save the fire oi
devotion TO God country and humanity.
and listcn earnestly to the sublime truths
of Gods word, as it fell from their be-
loved pastors lips. Before the erection
ofthe church, meetings were held at Dca.
). Robinson's. Dea. Briggs and other
private dwellings.
The first framed house in town is still
standing firm and strong, in good condl'
ton, and occupied by Dea. $. Robinson.
The first mills in town, were built by Dea.
|. Robinson. Tho fast glist mill is still
standing, or rather leaning. Before the
erection of the latter, people were obIig'
ed to travel on foot, by 4 spotted line
TO Turner To get their corn ground. Oul
robust ancestors were able to take from
one. half to one bushel of corn and carry
il y miles. and return and perform good
afternoons work. 1t was no uncommon
thing for person to take TWO bushels o
grain on horseback and 60 to Portland
and exchange it for salt, iron, tea ant
perhaps a little ef "old pint comfort"
The first three apple trees were brough
from Gloucester to Sumner on horseback
and set out on the place now occupied
by Capt. Lewis Bi>bee-one of the tree
bore fruit last season: but the first apple
grew on the place now owned 10y :. n
Cushman, "A grandson ofoId Dea. .Cushmaa
The first white man that slept over ni2h
in town was Barney Jackson. He and
Scotchman by the name Of Finley at
tempted settlement, but became dis
courapcd and abandoned the idea. II !
said that the first tree was felled on Sum
ner Hill bv Oliver Cummings, who cam
from Duns,able, Mass. The first whit
male child born in town was Chas. Fore
born April 9Th, 1871 The first white te
male child was II daughter o! JOSEPH
Robinson and was born on March lStl
1885. She is still living and wideI,
known as "Aunt Rebecca Thompson.
Only last year she completed and present
ed to Rev. II. IL. Hutchinson's family, o
the Congregational Society in this town
nice patchwork quilt, composed q
over one thousand pieces. The iirst re
gular physician that settled IN town wa
DR.. Albums, who located at Sumner Cor
ner on The place now occupied by Rev. \
Barrows. The first attorney Mt law, ha
not vet seen fit to located among us. Pro
badly he will see fits when that even
transpires. The first place oftrade wa
in Dea. Robinson's cooper shop. From a
old account book kept by him, and in m
possession, find many items of interest
concerning the ancient habits and custom
of our honored sires.
We give the prices of some article
charged to Noah Bosworth and Charlie
Ford. Tea, shilings per lb. Indigo
shilling pence per ounce.
6. 5.
To hanlsaw and whe..ing her u
&" gallon w. |. rum,
-" days work piling,
" peck seed corn,