The Somerset reporter., 1909-07-15
Early DAYS in the Kennebec Valley.

The REPORTER has recently re-
ceived two manuscripts which relate
many interesting historical facts con-
cerning the territory which is now
comprized in Kennebec and Somer-
set counties. The family names
mentioned among the early pioneers
are those whose descendants have
preponderated, very largely, to the
present day. The first of these arti-
cles is given below and the second
will appear in a subsequent issue.
About a century and one half ago
the territory now comprising the
cities OF Augusta, Hallowell and Gardi-
ner was sold for the small sum of $1,000
This territory not only embraced the
above named places but was in breadth
Is miles upon each side of the Kenne-
bee river and extended from the south
ern limits of the Cobbosseeconte e
to the northern line of the town OF
Madison. The Plymouth Company
had this large tract of land surveyed
and plotted into townships.
About the time of this survey the
heirs of William Bingham owned a
large tract of land north of the
Kennebec purchase. Between these
two large grants lay strip of land
running east and west of the Kenne :
bee river 10 miles long and one and
one half miles in width. Upon this
mile and half strip is the town of
Anson today. Major Joseph Moore, a
Revolutionary soldier, erected his log
cabin in the midst of the forest which
at that time covered these shores.
Major Joseph Moore had married
Rachel Brown of Townsend, Mass,
and to them were born six children,
four sons and two daughters, and one
of these sons was John B. Moore, who
when he became of age, married
Malinda Spaulding, daughter of Josiah
and Sybil Spaulding of old Norridge-
wock. To this union two sons were
born named respectively Orin and
Abel. Malinda Spaulding Moore died
in 1922 and John B. Moore went to
seek his fortune amidst the wilds of
the northern part of Somerset county.
Captain Samuel Holden had just erec-
ted his log cabin upon the shores of
Moore river and he and his wife,
whose maiden name was Jane Farms
worth, were battling against the
forces of an unbroken forest and upon
this primeval soil was given this happy
pair large family of sons and daugh-
ters. Among these daughters was
one that John B. Moore thought was
better than the rest, and this daughter
John wooed and won. To them were
born large family, one of which was
Mary Moore, mother of the writer.
When about 20 years of age Mary
Moore was united in marriage to
Josiah F. Whitney and to this union
were born five sons and three daugh-
ters, the writer being the first born.
The next son, George M. Whitney,
resides in Augusta. The next son,
William H. Whitney, sleeps ip yonder
cemetery by the side of his father and
mother. The next son, Josiah Fran
els Whitney, Jr., is an apothecary in
the city of Boston. The youngest
child, Mellen A. Whitney, is a gradu-
ate of Colby and resides in the West,
having been principal of school in
Elgin, Ill. The three daughters are
married. Lizzie E. married w. B.
Fletcher and lives in Augusta. Delora
A. married Andrew Stevens and resid-
es in South Lancaster, Mass. Helen a.
the eldest daughter, married e. j.
Abbott of Dover, N. H.
(Signed) Judge S. H. Whitney,
North Vassalboro.