The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-09-14


Smithfeld, and all of the swell of
Beech Hill, there was but one family
of two brothers and one sister by the
name of Works, emigrants from Ok
ford, Mass, at this time all unmarri-
ed but subsequently married, raised
up families and many years since
have passed on to their final home.
Their house was very small, and
/ probably the first framed house
erected in the limits Il mean the
original limits of Mercer), and built
by Robert Crosby, who lived at the
foot of the Fresh Rips, seven miles
below where he built the first mills
ever in Mercer, he living in Starks, on
the east bank of the river | am
doubtful if he ever lived in the house
he built He built on Beech Hill
but sold his claim to possession of
land and house to Clark and Joel
Works The house stood in the field
nearly northwest of John Pixies dwell
ling Clark Works built the build
ings and lived many years where Vim.
Paine now lives Joel Works built
the first buildings and lived many
years where John Pike now lives.
Robert Crosby felled the first trees
on Beech Hill on the south and west,
and was part of the Clark Works
farm, as l there assisted him the
summer after | was nine year old in
haying, to spread the swaths, rake
scatterings, tread down the loads
etc, which l recollect distinctly of
doing for two years on that same spot
of land.
The spring of 1901, my father NOV
ed to Mercer the same season Eben-
ezer Oaks moved onto the lot occu-
plying the top of the Hill where, if
reeollect, a Mr.. Eldridge now lives.
Jacob Works, the father of the
Works and Oxford family, l think,
old parents in the late downhill of
life moved onto the pinnacle of
Beech Hill. Henry Works, the old
est son had previously emigrated to
New Sharon and married. The old
est daughter had also come to Maine,
married, moved to Mercer village, her
husband being John Lake the first
permanent resident of Mercer village,
and dwelling in log house just back
of the brick store.
She lived but very few years,
leaving one son. All the rest of the
children l think were married after
coming to Maine; viz: Clark, Joel,
Asaph, Elizabeth, the mother of Asa
Williamson now living at the village.
Olive married John Thompson.
Rufus and Amasa died young and
never married. All the others mar
ried and raised families, nine in mum
Der. In due time the aged parents
died on the farm situated on the top
of the hill and since all of the nine
and their partners in life have died
unless Rufus and his wife are living,
of whose death | have not heard.
The first building erected on the
farm where John Pike now lives was
a barn The first broadside was
raised part way, was propped up and
we had to send for help to the River
road before the raising could be pro-
ceeded with
l now recollect there was another
son. Elias, of the Works family who
lived many years where Albert
Downs now lives. A Mr. Quimby
commenced and lived many years
where Benjamin Field now lives.
Daniel Burr felled a few trees and
built house of logs in the summer
of 1901 in the fall, and moved his
family into it from Oxford, Mass. In
due time the log house was replaced
with framed one. Here after many
years, himself, wife and son John
died.
Simon G Haywood is the present
owner and occupant. Many of the
farms on the highest part of Beech
Hill none of the present generation
can conceive of the beauty of the
forest before it was married by the
woodsmans axe For time, say
months | have employed a portion of
my time in writing to fill the vacancy
and not expecting it to be read and,
now since commencing this sheet
realize my faculties are rapidly fail
ing me Well, | have no reason to
complain. was eighty-two years
old the 26th OF April 1874, and why
should | wish to linger here with
many unpleasant infirmities that for
bid my longer stay, myself being the
last one remaining of the first set
tiers of the town as far as | know,
and having written some small items
which would undoubtedly pass away
with me, | am induced TO send it to
some friend in Mercer and as the
story is mostly connected with Beech
Hill will send it to some person there.
Mercer is undoubtedly good town
ship of land, and her greatest curse
like all other towns is cultiyating too