Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-23
Two Historic Characters.

In little quiet country grave yard in the town
of Monroe, in this State, lie the bodies of two
persons, VINO in their day, enjoyed local Ieputa-
ton, which lives only in the memory Of few old
people, and with them, will soon pass away all
rme ubrance of these heroic ones, for no mon
otneuts pile marks their last Ic,sug place, nor is
there any record to perpetuate their names.
The hs OF these noted persons, was William
Wiuchell, who was soldier OF the Revolution
and served under Washington Lieut.. lie
was a brave and efficient officer and Tende ed
valuable service to his country, in establishing
her independence, for which lie deserved better
treatment than he received. lie got but little o.
no compensation or even gratitude, for he died q
pauPer and flls an unknown grave. When the
army was disbanded, and he discharged, the
credit of the Nation was weak, ami his pride and
high sense of honor forbade his accepting hl pay
III tue deprecated cuu ency OF the times, and he
tefused 1t. lie was supported in his last DAYS, by
the hand Of charity. Kind friends 10 the persons
Of the family OF Daniel Kicker administered to
his wants. and made his declining years happy
and comfortable.
Lieut.. Winchell was a gentleman of the old
school IN manners as well as III the fashions that
prevailed ia the olden time, and always wore ruff
lied shirts, knee buckles, and breeches.
The other parsonage, whose memory should be
rescued ilom oblvlou, because of services to the
country IN the OZARK days that tired men soul"
was woman known a. Peggy Lilly. She WAS a
| uutuiooui nOIu a Save III ' TGlbla, ran away
from her master, donued male attic, and enlisted
As drummer boy in the Continental army. After
= short s,iylce. she left the army, came to Mauc,
and for many years lived in Monroe alone in
iIttle CABIN gong out to service, weaving anu
performing snch labor a. she could and thus
gaining livelihood. She supported herself until
within few months of her death, when he was
At her own request, removed to the home Of Dan
lei Kicker where she died
She had the reputation of being a witch, and
woe betite the person who offended her. Many
stories were told of her wonderful powers as au
enchantTess, only one Of which will be related
Mr.. Rcker, who frequently beflcnded her, and
whose wife SO kindly cared Tor her in her last
sickness, incurred her dlspeasure at one time
aud 10 punish him, she bewitched his oxen aud
stopped them just as he was driving into his barn
with load OF hay. A heavy thunder tempest
was approaching, the rain commenced falling IN
torrents, but not an inch could he persuade hi.
oxen To move, until the whole load was thorough
" dTenched, when the spell removed, and 1t
"as drawn INTO the barn with the utmost case.
Peg LILY was strong N iuded, energetic, self
reliant and super,ltlous woman who under other
aud more favorable circumstances, might have
won distinction.
Lieut.. nchell, the proud and polished gentle
man aud gallant soldier, and Peggy Lilly, the
quadfoon slave, the drummer boy OF the RevoM-
non and the ieputed witch, lie side By side 10
Harmony Place Cemetery" in almost UNI nown
graves. few years. and there shall not be one
o point them out but they sleep quietly a. other
netoes of the Revolution, who slumber bcnea b
marble monuments, and their rest and reward
shall toe as complete.
"Rsquieseat IN pace" c.