Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1885-09-24
Traditions Of Ellsworth.
THE ORIGIN OF SOME LOCAL NAMES.

THE ORIGIN OF SOME LOCAL NAMES.
A few "reminiscences, or traditions of the
first settlers in Ellsworth, and some of the
Indian names of certain ponds and other
places may be of interest. My grand
father was one of the first settlers in 1853.
The incidents which nsrrate were learned
from him in my younger days, and more
fully, recently, from lady over eighty years
Of age, now living in MARIETTA Ohio. She
was born in Ellsworth where she resided for
more than fifty years. Her father, Benja-
min Joy, was the first child born in Els
worth in 1865. Her grandfather came to
Ellsworth in 1862 with small company of
young men. They selected place for a
settlement near where Ellsworth village is
located. She has in her possession papers
and records Of both her father and grand
father. The following statement is nearly
in her own language:
In 1862 a vessel with crew of about
twenty-five young men, all from New Hamp-
shire and Saco. Me-, were exploring and
looking for a site to locate a small settle
ment in Eastern Maine. Their vessel was
anchored ten or fifteen miles from the mouth
Of what is now called Union river. Two
boat crews Of eight men each were sent to
examine the inland bays and the country
generally Night overlook them in cove
in bay, now called Patterns bay, where
they spent the night. The boat crews be-
came dissatisfied and angry with each other
and quarreled in regard to their future
movements. In the morning they separa,-
ed. Soon after they met at the mouth of
Union river and proceeded up the river to-
gether.
1t was in early fall the banks of the ry-
er were dressed in luxurious foliage, and the
forest with its stately growth of maple, oak
ash, and pine appeared to the best advan-
tage. They were greatly pleased with the
country After examining the land on both
sides Of the river, as far up as they could
60 with their boats, they returned and
camped on the bank Of the river, near where
the machine shop, and new foundry are now
built. There all their former difficulty was
mutually arranged to the satisfaction Of all.
In after years they called the cove where
they had the dispute "Contenrinn cove, ."
and the river where peace was made Union
river, which names they have retained ever
since.
the banks of the river. smoked their pipes.
spread their blankets, and We're prepared 10
sleep, they became very much alarmed,
seeing several lights moving about between
them and the mouth o. the river. at a place
now called Indian Point. They supposed
they were being surrounded hy Indians and
their retreat to the bay cut off. They i'm
mediately extlnguished their lights. seized
their muskeis, and prepared for battle. Af-
ter watching the lights for several hours,
and their mysterious movements, some
times they would 90 bobblng up the trees,
then again seem 70 be moving on the face
Of the river, some Of the party concluded
they were Watching Jack lanterns" or
iyHss taftu. which was indeed the case.
l hese they afterwards found to be very com
mon on the marshy ground in the country
at that time
They finally got bravely over their fright;
four Of the party were selected TO stand
guard. the others lay down upon their
blankets. with the SKY for covering and
Slept TILL morning; then returned to their
vessel She soon after came up into the
bay and all the crew visited the RIVER sever
al times before they left. They were so
well pleased with the country that they all
agreed 10 return next wear with their fam.
lhe.. Those Young men we're the pioneers
and the leading men of the frs, settlement.
The indian names Of several ponds. and
their tributaries, learned from some Of the
oldest inhabitants. also from several Indian.
whose names will probably be remembered
by person, anw living, viz; Joe Mitchell
Glo>htrr joe Porus. and several others, all
0
name, for the different places.
The following are some of The names. and
wha, The Indians s1y they siroify ,iy, u