Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-02-02

inmates. Au l. was added to the main structure and
other needed repairs made to the house. But in
1856 a new, more. commodious and better arrang-
ed house built by the town, aud in 1861, a
large and conveniently arranged barn was con.
structed. The buildings at the present time are
all in good condition and Will answer the purpose
for which they built, for many years TO come,
unless destroyed by fire.
Levi Chadbourne the first man to assume
control of the farm after its establishment, having
served the town thrce years. Then came Edwin
Gardiner, who served one year; John Brown two
wears; Benjamin FaIUum, three years; John
Brown two years; Amasa Richardson,
two years; Levi Doe, three years; Alvan
Marshall, nine years; Amasa Richardson
one year; Timothy Small, two years; Robert Hall
three years: Nathaniel Wyman, seven years !;
Melville Appleton, one year; George Philips, one
year; Nathaniel Wyman, two years; Ivory W.
Appleton, five years; and Mr.. Henry lIursey, the
present incumbent The town had an orr sinal
and somewhat primitive way of caring for its
poor prior 10 the purchase of the farm. II seems
that it wa the custom Of the town prior to this
| time to hold sort of aacti n, and give the pco-
pie chance to bud for the Of the poor. Such
q thing would seem baIbarous in our own time, and
would not be tolerated 1t is said that fragrant
abuses frequently crept into this system, and old
men AID even women, were abused in the most
| shameful manner by those who had peged them
selves to furnish the poor creatures with food
aud clothing. 1t was ike slavery in its palmiest
days, aud the poor creatures were often whipped
like dogs. 1t is related of one poor old man, de-
cIepid, lame and worn out by long and weary
year. of toll that having been abused and tortured
until he became well nigh crAz.d, he struck his
cowardly master blow in the face, which sent
him Staggering to the ground. Immediately he
was tied bound aud tortured in the most cruel
manner, until his reason left him, and he be-
came ravlng maniac. lie fingered aleng for
weeks, when his sufcrinss terminated in
death. The old man born and reared in
Somerset county, near where Somel set Mills now
stands. lie WAS u successful farmer and deal
er in country produce, winch he shipped 10
large quantities to PoItlald, Bangor and
other large cities. la the midst of his
prosperity he became addicted to the use OF liquor
and his course in life thenceforth ou the down
ward grade. Little by little his wealth faded
away, and at last he became penuiless, and a wan
derer upon the face of the earth. Family ana
early busy life and at length became dependent up
ON the authorities Of the town Of Nassaboro' for
support. His was samuel Warner, and
many Of the old residents of The town remember
him well. Alas how many lives have been blast
cd by the same cause. Aud for such as these
there seems to be no charity. But beneath and
beyond there may yet GAVIN day lit with ieful-
gent sunlight, made more bright by the great sor-
rows tht odgn VIII ch the weary soul mas passed.
There are at the present time only ten inmates
at the farm-a smaller number than Usual Most
of these ale old people who have passed great
er pant Of their lives here. Mrs. Bran is upwards
of 90 wears of age, yet she seems to retain her
Aental faculties to Ienalkabl. degree Aunt
Patty HaSes" Is 81 years. old, while two other IN
mates are aged respectively 50 and 70 years. The
oldest sdent at the farm is PauliDa COwan who
has been a ward OF the town for more than forty
years. She is a feeble. minded old woman, and
affords abuud ,nce Of amusemen nj both to the other
inmates and to the occasional visitor. Notwith-
standing her advanced age aud her crippled limbs,
she frequently INDUCES in the terpischorean art,
showing specimens of clog-dancing and some
steps not often seen the theatre boards 1t is a
somewhat remarkable fact that the pafpers all
live to a ripe old age. This no doubt is owing in
a large degree to the sedentsiy lives which thew
are compelled to live, the healthy food provided
for them and the pure air which they breathe. A
good many years ago an old negro by the name
of Jim Bennett died at the advanced aye of one
hundred and six years. His age was not a matter
of speculation, but was known TO be correct by
records and dates which he possessed while living.
lie was remarkable man in some respects. Tall
and powerful in stature, he was person of more
than ordinary intellect, and could converse quite
iuently on the current topics Ct the day He was
often the source of good deal of annoyance to
the overseer of the farm, and frequently INDUCED
in broils and disputes with the other inmates. lie
was held in adherence by every one who knew
him, and his death was made the occasion of sin
cere rejoicing In more than one heart.
Strange AS it may appear, it is nevertheless true
that the place is not sefsustaining and each year
is an expense to the town. An inventory Of the
stock and products of the farm during the past
financial year foos up Sl4SO.39 With its
many Of land under good cultivation, and
only ten paupers to feed and clothe, it would seem
that the farm should be a source of income to
hte tewn rather than expense. The tramps
which food the country never visit this or similar
Institutions for they are not satisfied with the bill
of fare provided for them; so the only expense
the town has to incur is simply caring for these
few INDECENT old people. 1t is matter of some
surprise and good deal Of severe comment on
the part Of the sturdy old farmers of the town that
the place cant be made to pay its own running
expenses. Some claim that incompetent men are
employed to superintend the farm, while others
say tuat it can never, under the best management,
be made self-sustaining, but assign no good rea-
son for such conclusion. Be thi. as it may, it is
likely the town will take some action at its next
annual meeting, looking 10 a reform in the care
and management of its poor, and strong eff
fort will be made by the honest hard listed old
yeomsnry to devise wsys and means of making the
town farm at least selfsustaining, if it cannot be
made source of profit to the town.
AS A RELIABLE REMEDY for Coughs,
Colds, Haarseness, or any affection of the throat
and chest, use, according to directions given on