Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-12-26
NUMBER SO.

7
sissippi, Gangos or Nile. Every atom Of
matter OF which the aluvial part of tnc
cape is composed, was brought from the
mountains and hillsides OF New Hamp-
shire by the Audroscoggin and Dead Riy-
ers in time of freshel.
The rocky promontories known rs the
head of the cape were nothing more OF
less than cluster OF islands OF azoic
origen. midway Of the pond whose shores
were washed By the ripping waves OF
the beautiful lake ages before the cape
was formed. But. by the gradual en-
eroachment Of the sediment OF the river,
they lost their insularity and became uni
ted with the great peninsula; and it re
Quires 10 Mormon spectacle to loresee
that before tic lapse Of many centuries,
the rocky island CIT tho eastern mouth OF
the river vi become united TO the main
land by the same process.
About half way from the railroad bridge
TO The delta island is q very narrow 18th
mus connectisg The great peninsula with
the mainland. which is known as tho
carrying place. Across this neck the
Indians cut a canal deep enough to loat
their canoes. thus shortening their route
to the Keunebec waters nearly two
miles.
The botany OF the Cape is Interesting
There is a species OF maple found here OF
gigantic SIZE ard symmetrical form
They have a very small leaf, deeply in
dented. Many OF The trees arc from
eight to fourteen fect 10 circumference
Their heart wood is Of = delicate pink
color. They sro ol great longevity
many of them no doubt were iii flourish
ing condition when COLUMBUS discovered
America. The same kind OF naples arc
found on the intervals and islands OF the
upper Androscoggin; from which place
the seed no doubt, lloated to the Andres
coggin pond, seeding the alluvial por-
tionS OF its shores. They are rarely. II
ever found on kennobec waters.
The Dead River valley was settled by
Roger and Thomas Stinchheld in 1913.
Roger settled on the north side aud Tbcs.
on the south side, no, tar from the Il. L.
bridge. They came from New Gloucester,
and chose this place because OF the abun
dance of wild grapes that grew around
the pond and river. The Indians were
numerous, aud Rogers kept truck house,
where he exchanged bis goods for luys.
Always dealing honestly with them, Eo
gained their confidence and protection.
While they murdered some OF the up
river settlers and compelled others t.
desert their settlements or 90 into garri-
son, they never disturbed the Stinchiolda
Like Wm. Penn, they reaped the reward,
of their honesty.
Thomas Francis, when boy lived with
the Slnchfieds. lie afterwards became
a noted theologian aud statesman. Ho
gathered powerful Baptist church which
exersed a salu.ary Influence in moulding
the institutions and giving character to
the new town. IS q salesman be ranked
high. He was for n time in the Senate ol
Maine; his associates aud peers were
such men as Reuel Williams. Williamson,
the historian. and many others of note.
The late Reuel Williams once remarked
thot he was never acquainted with the
man that could indite like Thomas Fran
CTS of Leeds. He WIS cut down in the
prime OF his usefulness but his example
will live through time and eternity.
The tourist will perhaps notice s few
old bricks on the eastern shore OF the
river opposite .ihe soulherly end OF the
Delta Island, spo. OF unsurpassed
beauty. These mark the place where
once stood the cabin of the great hunter,
Stephen Foster. He was bOgn Feb. Sth,
1866, and was the fret white male child
born in the town OF Winthrop. Like
Daniel Boone he preferred the exciting
lite of hunter to the cares OF domestic
life. He sickened and died while on a
visit to his native town; and was tendeIly
cared for by one that drew her first breath
in the same town and near the same spot
His descendants are among the frs!
families of Leeds. A. w. I.