Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-03-29

History OF RUMFoRD. oxford couny Maine.
From its tirst set rment in t77p, to the Pre-
Time. By William Is. Laphaui. augusta Press
Of the Maine Farmer. 1880. Pages " ~.
sold only by the Author, Price, postage paid,
kiO0.l
Hist, ries of towns although among the
most important materials for State aud gen
eral history. are usually regarded some
what embarrassing, inasmuch as they appeal
only to the small constituency of the mum
cipality to which they relate; while in most
cases not all the citizens of town whose
history is being written or printed exhibit
any interest whatever in the matter. Hence
in the case Of most Maine towns which
annals published, private lberality and the
public spirit of a few citizens are among
the most important factors in its accomplish
ment.
In the case OF the town of Rumford.
Oxford county-whose history is before US
In a beautiful volume of over four hundred
pages-while dozen or more gentleman
whose names are given, may be regarded as
special patrons of the enterprise, its sue
cess 10 due almost wholly to the lberality
aud public spirit of Hon. John NJ. Adams,
editor of the Eastern Argus, who alone
guaranteed the amount necessary to pledge
the publication of the work. Its compila-
ton was entrusted to the hands OF DR. w.
b. Lsph,m of this city, an antiquarian of
more than local fame, an expert in matters
genealogical research. and the author of
histories of Norway. Woodstock and Paris.
all Oxford county towns, besid, dozen or
more volumes of family history.
The work is admirably arranged and in
the treatment of the several chapters the
matters seem to have been judiciously bal
anced. The first twelve chapters treat OF
the physical characteristics of Rumford.
history of land grants. meetings of prop-ie-
tors, record of land transfers, i0cofpora-
ton and name of the town. with sketches of
first settlers and abstract of the town re-
cords from 1900 to 1857 II chapter thir-
teen is preserved history of the town pre-
pared in 1926 by Rev. Dsaiel Gould. for
Hon. W. u. Williamson who vas then
writing hi, history of Maine. -Four or Ave
chapters following this are among the most
intere sting in the volume. They are de-
voted to history OF the Andro.coggiu 10
dians, how the early settlers lived, sketches
Of the old post.riders and post offices, orr
gin and significance of family names, ard
IN interesting chapter of miscellaneous
gesnings. Subsequent chapters treat of
church histories, with personal. sketches Of
members of the ministerial, legal and
medical professions; military affairs; part
taken by citizens Of the town in the War of
the Rebellion; lists of marriages ard
deaths; educational history and personal
sketches of prominent citizens The vol
ume closes with Family Records, filling 1879
pages. Several induces give value to the
work and render consultation easy.
Mechanically the History of Rumford i,
. fne volume. The press work il from the
establishment of Badger & Maoley, this city
and Is creditable 10 thst firm. There are
nineteen full page plstes. the work of tie
Heliotyp, and Lake side Companies, ard they
are generally very satisfactory for process
plates. There are three views of the masnif
cent Rumford Falls-one of the graniest
water powers in Maine-a picturesque view
of the Adams Homestead in 1905; two
views of residences; the Adams family
group-an interesting pjcture-and thirteen
portraits. The cloth binding snd lining are
in cool taste and the book is well put to.
gether.
The history of Rumford is worl, of which
the author and the people of the town may
we'll be proud while As q contribution to
the history of the State, it is one which
ranks high up with the best work of its
author in his own model histories,
As we'll as those of Willis GOLD. |
Judge Bourne, North, Williamson, Eaton
and OF lers who have dore so much to pre-
serve for poster ty, the local history of our
beautiful State.