Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-08-10

! Anulan attaCk was suddenly begun IN
dead winter. In few hours nearly hall
The able.bodied men and women in York
were either killed or taken prisoners, and
every house on the east side OF the river
except the block. houses in which the
survivors had taken refuge, was burned
/ ParSon Dummer, the first settled minister
OF York, was killed at the door OF his
house, the remains of the cellar OF which
are still pointed out. The blow was u
serious one. and it was several years be-
fore York recovered.
In l7l6 York was made the exclusive
shire town of the Province of Maine,
and in 1885 its honors were shared with
Falmouth, now Portland. In l760 two
new counties Cumberland and Lincoln
were formed, Portland and Dresden
being lhu shires. Ia 1906 Oxford county
was formed. York continued the shire
OF the county of York until 1902. when
Alfred received bali OF the honors; and
in 1882 Alfred was made the exclusive
shire town. The old courthouse, erected
in 1910. has been converted into a town.
house, and the ancient elms planted
near the site in 1913, still look as vigor.
Gus as ever. The old jail with its stone
dungeons, remoins in dilapidated con.
dilion. Ihe Congregational church, still
standing near by, was erected in l141
Tut the interior has been modernized so
as 10 Lave no veslige OF the formidable
pulpi. and sounding board from which
probably resounded the voice Of the
quaint Parson Moody, who died the same
yCaI in consequence of illness contracted
nj the siege OF Louisburg two years pre-.
viUusly. where he served as chaplain OF Il
Maine regiment, three companies "i
which enlisted from York. Parson
Moody was succeeded 10y Purson Lyman,
whose patriotism during the revolution
AIRY period is historic. Joseph Moody.
better known as handkerchief Moody,
was Parson Sam Moody's son, and was
pastor OF the second parish in York.
The town records OF York since 1869
are all preserved. and there are seat.
tered records going back 10 1919. The
earlier records comprise mainly grants OF
los, bounds OF ROADS laid out, and elec
lions OF town officers. Some OF the votes
in solemn town meeting give US glimpses
OF the inner life OF our ancestors here in
Maine when they acknowledged them
selves loyai subjects OF King George
At one town meeting it was voted TO
place a woman in the pillory Tor one hour
lor scandalizing her neighbors. Fortu-
nate that such offeuses covering both
sexes are not now publicly punished. At
another town meeting the sitlings in the
church were assinged-for in those days
there was only one recognized denomin-
alton, and the church expenses were de
iIayed like ordinary municipal charges.
A bill of expenses of an ordination OF Il
minister, as allowed in iown-meeling,
included 4 large amount OF rum, brandy
and gin-as in those days everybody
drank intoxicating liquors. and the min
lister treated his callers 10 old Jamaica.
The town records Immediately preced
ing and during the revolutionary period
are remarkably complete, and show that
the people OF York were in the very front
rank of patriots. At town-meeling
holden in York, Dec. %, T72, it was
resolved THAT as the inhabitants Of this
town are faithful and loyal subjects OF his
most Gracious Majesty, King George the
Thlrd, they are entitled to be protected
aud secured not only in their natural and
constitutional lights as Englishmen.
Christians and subjects, but in all and
every one Of the Rights and Privileges
contained in the royal charter of this Prov
iuce." 1t was further resolved that these
grievances should be speedily redressed
and 10 this end 'our Representative al
the General Court" is instructed to labor
And it was voted TO send q copy OF the
resolves to the selectmen OF Boston.
JAu. 2Oth. IVA. a committee was ap
pointed to draft report giving expires
sion TO the sentiments of the people o.
York ION the present important crisis !
and the next day that committee reported
QsO that the people Of the American
colonies have right TO freedom; (2nd,
sga'nst taxation without representation
sd against the tax on tea; (4'h) tina
the people still recognize tbe authority o
the King; (5lh) that this town approve:
of the resistance thus far offered to un
constitutional taxation. and extends it!
thanks to Boston. This report was &C
cepted. June 5, IVA. month befor,
the Declaration of independence wa!
adopted by Congress. the people of York
in towu-lIeeting assembled, voted 10 ad
wise their representative in the Provincial
Congress that, in case OF q declaration o
independence, ''they the said inhabitants
,ciU solemnly engage 'Cith their iceS ant
fortunes to support the measure. ."-almos
identically the language subsequent.
employed by jefferson in drafting th'
immortal Declaration. Aug. II. l776
the Clerk spread upon the Record in