The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-05-13
PRESS.
F,iday Morning, day 10, 1870.
Letter from, Ofisdeld.
t"csSgIAANU


OTIsFIELD, May 0, 1870.
To the Editor of the Press:
1 noticed C's letter last week, and on the
strength of it and the interest it may excite,
win endeavor to offer more extended account
of its history. C. evidently from the reading
of his letter,) gained his information from one
source, and perhaps may not be so well in
formed as some Of its townsmen.
HISTORY.
Otisfield was settled in 1774 by five hardy
pioneers. 1t was incorporated the 18th town,
on the 10th Of Feb, 179S. The first child born
in town was girl, of the name of Sawtelle,
who was born on the farm now owned by 4.
]. Sylvester. In 1870 the population was 1871,
and now is over 1900, whose estates are valu-
ed at $260,000, and are represented by 275
polls. The town is in fine condition. Her
people are industrious, and withal uery tenn
perate, so temperate that the Maine Liquor
laws are not at all fearful. Otsfield is strictly
Republican.
PURSUITS.
Farming is the principal occupation, and
there are many fine farms in town. Mr.. Jo-
seph M. Knight, it is said, possesses the best.
The soil is light and easy of cultivation.
Apples form the principal exports, and of
which large quantities are raised.
Besides the clothing business of Messrs.Scrib-
ner & AnGrews, l would mention the manu-
facture of the "Univcrsal Window Screen"
by V. Barker d. Co. Jesse Holden d Sons
carry on the most extensive lumber operations
for which they have great facilities / under
stand that during the past winter they have put
into Crooked river 100000 feet of first quality
pine, besides hauling large quantities OF shocks,
which find ready market in Portland.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
Major Swan was the first school teacher and
taught in 1902 or 3. There was only one school
house and that was near the centre of the
town. At present there are thirteen schools
in good condition. Rev. Thomas Toby gath
cred the Congregational Church In Otisfield for
the first time in 1907. He was ordained in
179S. The first church was built in 1907 and in
aftertime it was removed, but not till asecond
church was built, in the same locality in 1882,
which still remains. Since the pastorate Of
Mr.. Roby, others, whom need not mention,
have sustained the character of the Church
faithfully. Mr.. Wilcox, the last incumbent,
was worthy man in every respect and merit
ed the sympathy and support of his people;
but dissension arose from foreign causes and
hence his departure.
MASONIC.
About year ago Lodge of Free Masons
was formed in this town, which is working
under a dispensation. 1t is in fourishing
condition, and its members have petitioned
for charter from the Grand Lodge.
RELIGION.
Christianity in Otisfeld promises much for
the future. A new meeting house is in pro-
cess of erection at Spurr's Corner which is 20
be conducted on Union principles.
Something has been said about removing
| the old church on Westinghouse Hill, but
many would be sorry to see it demolished A
meeting is to be holden on the twenty-frst of
this month, to see if the Parish will repair the
house, or have it removed. Probably the house
| will be repaired, as the wealth of the town is
| largely represented in it, and meetings held as
| heretOfore-erery Sunday, Its friends all hope
so and that isms" may be done away.
INHABITANT.