the name of their agent to the Town Clerk before April iSth.
Jacob T. Washburn was set off from district No. 7 to dis-
trict No. 2, and Sullivan Fuller from No. 10 to No. 2.
68 Annals of Oxford
Benjamin Richards, Ebenezer R. Holmes and John
Caldwell were chosen Auditors to audit the accounts of the
town.
The doings of the Selectmen in furnishing transportation
and Ripplies to the Oxford soldiers who had been drafted
into the service of the State, by order of the Governor, was
approved, and it was voted that the pay of those who are
drafted and called into actual ser^'ice, from this town, shall
be made up to fifteen dollars per month, providing they do
not receive that amount from the State.
The whole communit}^ were at this time greatly excited ;
the treaty of Ghent provided for a settlement of the bound-
ary between the United States and Canada, but a section of
the line between Maine and New Brunswick was not made
sufficiently clear to prevent contention. A large and valua-
ble tract of land was claimed by both parties, and the
"North Eastern Boundary", so called, after having been a
subject of voluminous correspondence, now developed into
The Aroostook War.
In 1837 the enumerator sent to take the census ordered
by the State, was arrested, yet nothing serious came of it;
but in the winter of 1838-9, when the Land Agent reported
that a large number of lumbermen from New Brunswick
were operating in the Aroostook valley, the Sheriff of Pen-
obscot county was ordered to dislodge them. With a posse
of about 200 men he proceeded to the camps, where he
found that his coming had been anticipated and that the
trespassers had retired to Woodstock, armed themselves and
made prisoners of the Land Agent and some others. Sher-
iff Strickland, seeing that bloodshed was imminent, made
post-haste to the Capitol for counsel. Upon this information
the Governor immediately issued the famous proclamation
"Our State is Invaded", ordering a detail of 10,000 mili-
tia to repel the invaders, and the Legislature promptly in-
dorsed his action with an appropriation of $800,000. for the
defence of the State. A messenger was dispatched to Wash-
ington and Congress, then in session, authorized the Presi-
dent to call for 50,000 volunteers and appropriated $10,000,
000. to pay the expenses. Gen. Winfield Scott, with his
Staff arrived in Augusta on the 6th day of March and open-
ed communication with Gov. Harvey of New Brunswick,
a compromise was effected which resulted in the final set-
tlement of the boundary by the treaty negotiated by Daniel
Annals of Oxford. 59
Webster, then Secretary of State, with Lord Ashburton in
1842.
The whigs treated the whole proceedings with levity,
they ridiculed the Governor as the promoter of "the blood-
less war" but failed to reduce his majority in the next elec-
tion. Tame as was the result, aud unjust as was the settle-
ment to Maine, it showed that the Executive and the people
were vigilant and earnest, and gave Gov. John Fairfield a
stronger hold than ever on the affections of his party.
The militia of the town at this time, were enrolled in two
companies, attached to the First Reg't, First Brig., and
Sixth Division.
Company A, Infantry, was officered by William F.
Welch, Captain, Samuel Chadbourne, Lieutenant and
John S. French, Ensign.
Company B, Light Infantry, (uniformed) was officered
by Luther Carman, Captain, John J. Perry, Lieutenant
and John G. Burns, Ensign.
The draft was made by lot on the 26th day of February,
and the conscripts were notified to appear at Augusta on
Wednesday the 6th day of March. The rolls on file in the
archives of the State have names of those from Oxford, as
follows :
Brooks, Charles P. Linnell, Luther
Brooks, William E. Lord, Nathaniel
Cates, David Perkins, Harrison G. (Serg.)
Chaplin, James W. Perkins, William M.
Courser, Benjamin Pratt, Alanson S.
Crockett, Solomon Rawson, Solon
Crocker, Jonathan Rich, John
Dean, Cyrus Rich, Reuben Jr.
Emery, Joseph F. Richards, Jonathan
Faunce, Seth H. Russell, Joseph
French, Joseph (Serg.) Sampson, Nathaniel (Corp.)
Fuller, Charles P. Smith, George M.
Gammon, Newell Tarbox, Hanson
Hanson, Wm. P. (Serg.) Taylor, Nathaniel
Hawkins, John Thayer, Abner
Hayes, Sidney Thayer, Ebeaezer
Hill, Benjamin Woodward, Henry A.
Keene, Simeon Worke, Amos
Libby, Thomas Yeaton, Daniel B.
Knight, Thaddeus R. (Corp.)
60 Annals of Oxford
The troops were recalled and disbanded April 20th ;
the Treasurer of State paid the town's expenses March 16,
1840, as follows: — subsistance $3., transportation and
forage $26., camp equipage and utensils $5.60, blankets
$9., contingent $28.65, interest $3.60, total $75.85, and
subsequently the National Government appropriated to the
State $200,000. reimbursment of expenses.
Adjourned meeting April ist, Thomas R. Carman was
chosen Moderator pro tern.
Ebenezer R. Holmes was excused from serving on the
School Committee and John J. Perry was chosen.
The Treasurer was authorized to borrow $500. for one
year, interest at six per cent. It was also voted to raise
$200. in addition to the sum already voted for town charges.
The Collctor was authorized to receive wheat and corn
certificates for taxes.
Town meeting April 27th, Seth H. Faunce, Moderator.
Voted to set off Hanson Tarbox from school district No.
7 to district No. 2 and to divide No. 2 by setting off the in-
habitants on the Cross road, so called, together with David
Staples, Joshua Keene, Simon Keene, Jonathan Crooker
and Daniel Whitney into a district by themselves.
Voted that Samuel and William S. Allen be set off from
district No. 3 to district No. 4.
At the election of state officers, September 9th, two
hundred and forty-eight votes were cast for Governor.
John Fairfield (dem.) had 179
Edward Kent (whig) had 69
For Representative to the Legislature.
John J. Perry had 143
William S. Allen had 61
Benjamin Richards had 31
Samuel Crockett had 3
Samuel Chadbourne, Otis F. Mixer, John Lee, Henry
Holbrook and Isaac A. Thayer had i each.
Town meeting Sept. 28th, John Caldwell, Moderator.
The Treasurer was authorized to hire money to pay the
expenses of repairing Jamb bridge, and John Gardner Jr.
was appointed to superintend the repairing of it.
Voted that William Gammon be paid forty dollars, in
full compensation for damage locating the road for the ac-
commodation of William W. Oliver.
Annals of Oxford. 61
It was voted that Samuel Crockett, George Robinson
and John Gardner Jr. be a committee to receive proposals
for the purchase of a farm for the poor.
1840
Town meeting March 2d, 1840, Jairus S. Keith was
chosen Moderator and John J. Peny, Town Clerk; he
being absent, Seth H. Faunce was chosen Clerk pro tem.
Daniel Smith was elected Treasurer but he declined and
Chandler Record was chosen.
Isaac A. Thayer, William Thomas and John Lee were
chosen Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor.
Isaac Carlton, Henry R. Webber, Jacob M. Tewksbury
and Benjamin Richards were chosen School Committee.
The arrangements with Joseph Wilson to keep a Pound
were continued.
Voted to raise $1500. for highways.
$100. to repair bridges.
$441.40 for support of schools.
$900. for town charges and the support of
the poor.
It was voted not to purchase a farm for the poor, but that
the Overseers, at some future da,y sell the poor at auction
to the lowest bidder who M'ill give bonds for the faithful
performance of his agreement.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Samuel Chad-
bourne at one cent on the dollar, and he was chosen Con-
stable.
Voted to set off Samuel Allen, William S. Allen and the
heirs of Christopher Allen from school district No. 3 to
district No. 4. Also to set off Alfred Hood and Alfred H.
Hood from district No. 6 to district No. 7.
The report of the Selectmen locating a road from Welch-
ville to the line of Minot, was accepted.
It was voted to keep the clothing, belonging to the town,
on hand until the next campaign, in case it shall come in
any kind of season.
Ebenezer R. Holmes, Abraham Dean and John Caldwell
were appointed to audit the accounts of the Selectmen.
Town meeting April 27th, Sullivan Fuller, Moderator.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to William
Wardwell at two cents on the dollar, and he was chosen
Constable.
02 Annals of Oxford
At the election of state officers September 14111, two hun-
dred and forty-nine votes were cast for Governor.
John Fairfield (dem.) had 166
Edward Kent (whig) had 83
Three trials were required to reelect Mr. Parris to Con-
gress and five trials to make a choice of a member of the
Legislature, Hebron having the nomination.
Town meeting Sept. 14th, Leonard Caldwell, Moderator.
It was voted that John Caldwell, Samuel Crockett and
Thomas Cary make an examination of the bridge near
Zachary Cary's.
Voted that the stable of Joshua Keen be a Pound and he
the keeper.
Town meeting Oct. 5th, Samuel Crockett, Moderator.
Jairus S. Keith was chosen Clerk pro tem.
Samuel Crockett, Jairus S. Keith and Isaac A. Tl.ayer
were appointed to consider the expediencj' of discontinuing
the road leading to Jamb bridge.
For Presidential Electors, the Democrats polled, Nov. 2d
168 votes and the Whigs 91.
At this meeting the committee appointed Oct. 5th, report-
ed that the}' had petitioned the County Commissioners to
discontinue the road to Jamb bridge, and a hearing would
be advertised.
There were resident in this town, June i, 1840, Rev-
olutionary Pensioners as follows: — Samuel Brown ^ 72,
Sarah, wid. of Zebedee Cushman ^^ 73, she lived wath
Bartlett H. Cushman. William Chipman je 77, John Gard-
ner JE 79, Nathan Nelson M 80, Sarah, wid. of Jo-
seph Perkins, JE 77, she lived with Luther Perkins.
Polly, wid. of James Soule -<^ 71, she lived with Lathrop
L. Soule.
1841
Town meeting March ist, 1841, Leonard Caldwell was
chosen Moderator and Seth H. Faunce, Town Clerk and
Treasurer.
Isaac A. Thayer, William Thomas and John Lee were
chosen Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor.
John J. Perry, Jairus S. Keith and Thomas R. Carman
were chosen Superintending School Committee.
Annals of Oxford. ©3
Seth H. Faunce was chosen Town Agent.
Voted that the barn of David Staples be a Pound and
he the keeper.
Voted that the school districts choose their own agents.
Voted to raise $500. for support of schools.
$900. for town expenses and the poor.
$2,000. for the repairs of highways and
bridges, to be paid in labor.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Elon Chad-
bourne at one cent and eight mills on the dollar; he was
subsequently excused and George Robinson was chosen
and elected Constable. Samuel Chadbourne and Robert
Hilborn Jr. were also elected Constables.
Voted to leave the poor in the hands of the Selectmen,
to dispose of them by auction or not as they see fit.
Reuben Varrell was given leave to draw his proportion
of the school money and expend it in Minot.
At the September election, two hundred and forty-three
votes were cast for Governor.
John Fairfield (dem.) had 104
Edward Kent (whig) had 77
Jeremiah Curtis (Uberty) had 2
Town meeting October 2d, Jairus S. Keith, Moderator.
Voted to raise $500. to make the road from Welchville
to Bog Falls. It was also voted that $250. be raised to re-
pair the Wardwell road and the Rich bridge.
X842
Town meeting March 17th, 1842, John J. Perry was
chosen Moderator and Seth H. Faunce, Town Clerk.
Daniel Smith was elected Town Treasurer and Henry
Hawkins, Town Agent. , r ^. ^ir-i
John J. Perry, Samuel Crockett and Joseph Wilson
were chosen Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor.
John J. Perry, Isaac Carleton and Henry R. Webber
were chosen Superintending School Committee.
Voted to choose School Agents in town meeting.
Voted to raise $2,000. for highways.
$500. for support of schools.
$700. for the support of the poor.
$800. for town expenses.
The collection of taxes was assigned to Henry R. Web-
64 Annals of Oxford
ber at three cents on the dollar, and he was chosen Const.
Nathan Wright was given leave to draw his portion of
the school money to expend in Paris.
Town meeting March 24th, Benajah Pratt, Moderator.
William F. Welch, George Robinson and Leonard
Brown were appointed a committee to petition the P. M.
General to estabhsh another Post Office in this town, also to
select a suitable person for Post Master.
Town meeting March 28th, John J. Perr}^, Moderator.
Voted that the Selectmen be empowered to buy a farm on
which to support the poor, and that they shall not pay more
than two thousand dollars for it, (The town farm was pur-
chased of Samuel H. King, and was primarily the home-
stead of Daniel Bullen.)
Voted to raise $200. in addition to the sum already raised
for the support of the poor. It was further voted that the
Selectmen hire a suitable man and woman to oversee the
Poor-farm, and they shall refuse assistance to all paupers
not on the farm, one person only was excepted.
At the election of state officers Septemder 12th, two
hundred and two votes were cast for Governor.
John Fairfield (dem.) had 149
Edward Robinson (whig) had 53 .
For Representative to the Legislature,
John J. Perry had 130
Henry Hawkins had 52
Benjamin Richards had 15
Isaac Thayer and Joseph Wilson had i each.
1843
Town meeting March 27th, 1843, Samuel H. King was
chosen Moderator, but was at his request excused, and
Jairus S. Keith was elected.
Seth H. Faunce was chosen Town Clerk and Sebastian
S. Smith, Town Treasurer.
John J. Perry, Isaac A. Thayer and Toseoh Wilson
were chosen Selectmen.
Isaac Carlton, William Brown and Timothy Bailey
were chosen Superintending School Committee.
Henry Hawkins was chosen Town Agent, and he
was appointed agent on the Bog Falls road.
Voted that Charles Chitman have permission to draw
Annals of Oxford. 65
his school money from district No. 9 and expend it in No. 7.
Voted to raise $2,400. for highways.
$800. for town charges.
$600. for the support of the poor.
$500. for the support of schools.
$400. for the Bog Falls road.
The stable of Joseph Wilson was accepted for a Pound
and he appointed the keeper.
Meeting adjourned to Friday the 31st instant, at which
time the Moderator being absent, Benjamin Richards was
chosen pro tern.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Elon Chadbourne
at tvv^o cents on the dollar. A difference of opinion regard-
ing the bond being shown, Mr. Chadbourne declined and
the meeting adjourned to April 8th, when Henry Hawkins
was chosen Collector, giving Benjamin Richards, John
Lee, Samuel Crockett, Henry R. Webber, Samuel H.
King and Charles Durell, as surities on his bond.
Town meeting May 13th, Samuel H. King, Moderator.
Voted to raise $1,000. in addition to the appropriation
already made for repairs on roads and bridges.
At the election of state officers September nth, one
hundred and sixty-eight votes were cast for Governor.
Hugh J. Anderson (dem.) had 121
Edward Robinson (whig) had 37
James Appleton (liberty) had 7
Edward Kavanagh (dis. dem.) 3
ToWn meeting Sept. nth, John J. Perry, Moderator.
Voted that a special agent be chosen to oppose the discon-
tinuance of the road, located last December, from Welch-
ville, east of Pigeon Hill, to Poland, the inhabitants of Po-
land having, by their agent, David Dunn, petitioned there-
for. John J. Perry was chosen by ballot.
It was voted to raise $1,000. to be expended in repairing
roads and bridges.
Voted to accept the private way located by the Selectmen
for the accommodation of Elisha Morton, also the private
way for Charles Brooks.
1844
Town meeting March nth, 1844, made choice of John
J. Perry for Moderator, and William Brown, Town Clerk.
66 Annals of Oxford
Samuel H. King, John Lee, and Ebenezer R. Holmes
were chosen a committee to audit the accounts of the town.
John J. Perry, Isaac A. Thayer and Joseph Wilson
were chosen Selectmen.
Isaac Carlton, William Brown and Benajah Pratt Jr.
were chosen Superintending School Committee.
William Brown, Town Treasurer.
Benajah Pratt Jr., Town Agent.
Same arrangements for a Pound as last year.
Voted to raise $1,200. for highways.
$500. for the support of schools.
$1,200. for town charges and to pay the
debts of the town.
The collection of taxes was vendued to William Ward-
well at one cent and nine mills on the dollar, and he was
elected Constable.
At the election of state officers September 9th, two hun-
dred and thirty-two votes were cast for Governor.
Hugh J. Anderson (dem.) had 166
Edward Robinson (whig) had 64
James Appleton (liberty) had 2
Town meeting same date, Leonard Caldwell, Moderator.
Voted that the Treasurer hire not exceeding $500. dol-
lars for the term of two years, interest not exceeding 6 per
cent, to defray outstanding bills against the town.
1845
Town meeting March 17th, 1845, John J. Perry was
chosen Moderator, and William Brown, Town Clerk and
Treasurer.
John J. Perry, Isaac A. Thayer and Joseph Chaffin
where chosen Selectmen.
William Brown, John J. Perry and Benajah Pratt Jr.
were chosen Superintending School Committee.
Samuel Crockett was chosen Town Agent.
Voted to raise $500. for the support of schools.
$1,500. for roads and bridges.
$1,300. for town charges and the support
of the poor.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Thomas Abbott
at one and three quarter cents, but he did not offer a sat-
isfactory bond, and Seth H. Faunce was chosen Collector
Annals of Oxford. 67
and Constable, with an allowance of 2 per ct. for collecting.
It was voted that the Selectmen, Town Clerk and Treas-
urer, grant licenses to suitable persons, not exceeding two
in number, to sell wine, brandy, rum and other strong liq-
uors in town, they giving bonds according to law. The
said licensed persons shall not sell to any person, for any
other purpose than for medicine and mechanical uses, and
each shall keep a record of the names of all persons to
whom they sell, with the dates, kinds of liquors and quan-
tities sold by them respectively ; which record shall be open
for inspection to any citizen of the town. The said officers
shall not grant licenses to any other person, or for any other
purpose than as herein specified, and they are hereby spe-
cially instructed to prosecute all violations of the "License
Law", so called, which come to their knowledge, and put
in suit any bond given as aforesaid, whenever the condition
thereof shall be broken.
At the election of state officers September 8th, one hun-
dred and eighty-two votes were cast for Governor.
Hugh J. Anderson (dem.) had 145
Freeman H. Morse (whig) had 33
Samuel Fessenden (liberty) had 4
For Representative to the Legislature,
Isaac A. Thayer had 127
Joseph Chaffin had 36
Benjamin Richards had li
Samuel Chadbourne had i
Town meeting same date, John Lee, Moderator.
Henry Hawkins, Abraham Dean and E. R. Holmes
were appointed to audit the accounts.
The Selectmen were authorized to hire men to assist in re-
pairing the highways if the appropriation prove insufficient.
1846
Town meeting March 23d, 1846, John J. Perry was
chosen Moderator, and William Brown, Town Clerk and
Treasurer.
John J. Perry, Joseph Chaffin and Arba Thayer were
chosen Selectmen, Mr. Thayer declined and Samuel
Crockett was elected.
Henry Hawkins, Benajah Pratt Jr. and Cyrus K. Kel-
ley were chosen Superintending School Committee.
68 Annals of Oxford
Voted to raise $500. for the support of schools.
$2,000. for highways and bridges.
$1,050. for town charges and the support
of the poor.
The stable of Elon Chadbourne was engaged for a Pound
and he was appointed the keeper.
It was voted that men employed upon the highways be
allowed twelve and a half cents per hour, and a like sum
for each yoke of oxen. The Selectmen were instructed to
proscecute the Surveyors of Highways for damage, in all
and every case where the town is liable.
The Licensing Board were instructed not to license the
sale of spirituous liquors for any purpose whatever.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Rufus Briggs at
one and seven eighth per cent, and he was chosen Const.
Abiel M. Jones was also chosen Constable.
Town meeting April 17th, John J. Perry, Moderator.
Abraham Dean, Leonard Caldwell and George Robinson
were chosen to audit the accounts of the town officf rs.
At the election of state officers September 14th, one
one hundred and eighty-four votes were cast for Governor.
John W. Dana (dem.) had 139
David Bronson (whig) had 40
Samuel Fessenden (liberty) had 5
1847
Town meeting March 14th, 1847, John Lee was chosen
Moderator, and William Brown, Town Clerk,
Daniel Smith was chosen Town Treasurer.
Samuel Crockett, Benjamin Richards and William
Thomas were chosen Selectmen.
John J. Perry was chosen Town Agent.
Henry R. Webber and George P. Whitne}" were chosen
Superintending School Committee.
Voted to raise $500. for the support of schools.
$950. for town charges and the poor.
$3,000. for high and townways, $500. of
which, to be spent by the Selectmen where they see fit.
The collection of taxes was auctioned to Chandler Rec-
ord at one cent and seven mills on the dollar, and he was
elected Constable.
It was voted that a discount of four per cent be made on
Annals of Oxford. 69
taxes paid before December ist.
Voted that the barn-yard at the town farm be the Pound,
and Joseph French be the keeper.
It was voted that each district choose their School Agent.
The Selectmen were directed to paint and reqair the
Centre Meeting-house.
A Resolve *'that the unrestrained sale of intoxicating
drinks in the town of Oxford is an evil that ought to be re-
gulated by law" was voted down, by a vote of 54 to 48, but
the records do not show that the town rescinded its vote of
1846, not to license, and in 185 1 the town voted to choose
a committee of three to prosecute all violations of the < 'Li-
cense Law". The committee were Dennis Hayes, Jairus
S. Keith and Orrin Jones, and they were to serve without
compensation.
Joseph Chaffin, Abraham Dean and E. R. Holmes were
chosen to audit the accounts of the town officers.
At the election of state officers September 13th, one hun-
dred and ninety votes were cast for Governor.
John W. Dana (dem.) had 148
David Bronson (whig) had 35
Samuel Fessenden (liberty) had 7
For Representative to the Legislature there was no choice
at the meeting September 13th, nor at the adjourned meet-
ing October 4th, but on the third trial, October 25fh, Ben-
jamin Richards was elected, having 102 votes. The other
candidates were Isaac A. Thayer, Charles Durell and
Abial M. Jones.
t848
Town meeting March 6th, 1848, John J. Perry was
chosen Moderator, and William Brown, Town Clerk.
Samuel Crockett, Benjamin Richards and William
Thomas were chosen Selectmen.
Rev. C. Stone, Abial M. Jones and Henry R. Web-
ber were chosen Superintending School Committee.
Daniel Smith was chosen Town Treasurer.
Voted to raise $500. for the support of schools.
$950. for town charges and the poor.
$1,800. for highways, $200. in money to
repair the road to Mechanic Falls.
Joseph Chaffin, Ebenezer R. Holmes and John Lee were
70 Annals of Oxford
chosen to audit the accounts of the town officers.
The collection of taxes was struck off to Seth H. Faunce
at one cent and eight mills on the dollar, and he was elec-
ted Collector and Constable.
Ichabod M. Thomas was chosen Pound Keeper.
Town meeting May 25th, John J. Perry, Moderator.
The Town Clerk being absent, H. R. Webber served p. t.
Voted that the Treasurer borrow a sum not exceeding
$1,000.00, if it can be obtained at 6 per ct. per annum.
At the election of state officers September nth, two
hundred and sixteen votes were cast for Governor.
John W. Dana (dem.) had 145
Elijah L. Hamlin (whig) had 32
Samuel Fessenden (liberty) had 18
Alfred Thurston (free soil) had 21
1849
Town meeting March 5th, 1849, John J. Perry was
chosen Moderator, and Dan Perry, Town Clerk.
Daniel Smith was chosen Town Treasurer.
Benjamin Richards, Sebastian S. Smith and George P.
Whitney were chosen Selectmen.
Henry R. Webber, Abial M. Jones and Nicholas C.
Dinsmore were chosen Superintending School Committee.
John J. Perry was chosen Town Agent.
Voted that the barn at the town farm be the Pound, and
William Tubbs be the keeper.
Abraham Dean, J aims S. Keith and William Allen
were appointed a committee on accounts.
Voted to raise $600. for the support of schools.
$2,000. for highways.
$1,000. to pay debts, support the poor