Excerpt

War

The appeal of land in Maine was long tempered by the uncertain relationship between the Indians and settlers. In 1725 a peace treaty was ratified between the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (Maine was then part of Massachusetts) and Native Americans. A period of relative peace ensued. (1)

New growth gradually augmented the population of Kennebunk. A meetinghouse was soon built and a minister was hired. A road connected the towns of Kennebunk and Saco. Along this road land was divided among proprietors. These proprietors were men who, having lived and owned land in the Kennebunk area for a relatively extended period, attained legal rights to this property. (2)

A garrison was built, additional roads were laid out and a bridge was maintained over the Kennebunk River. Such improvements began to increase the value of the land near Kennebunk and more settlers arrived. The Indians again became uneasy but remained calm until hostilities commenced between settlers and the French in 1746. Hostilities then resumed between settlers and Indians, who remained unfriendly even after the French, English and Spanish agreed to peace in 1748. (3)

Trade between Kennebunk’s neighbor, Cape Porpoise, and southern states became profitable as severe drought during 1748 and 1749 necessitated the import of hay to support the settlers’ livestock. In addition, lumber and fish were exchanged for corn and pork. Sloops and schooners, suited for coastal trade, began to carry goods between ports along the east coast. (4)

It was during this period that Stephen Titcomb arrived in Wells from York. Born in Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1721, Stephen lost his father as an infant. His mother then married Samuel Sewall of York, Maine. (5)

Stephen married Abigail Stone in 1748. The first of their seven children arrived in 1749. Papers and pocket sized notebooks belonging to Stephen describe a variety of activities: how to organize and support a church; how to record the days spent by Stephen (and later his sons) in building roads; and even how to dress a deer hide.

“The way to drefs deer skins is to take and soke them in water till they are soft then grain them then let them dry then smoke them over chips well then take some Brains and bile in water in a cloth till you can squeeze them through then take them and put them in the water till they have soockt (sic) in the Brains then ring them out dry and pull them over your nees (sic) till you make them soft.” (6)

By 1764 Stephen was engaged in building a sawmill on the Middle River in Arundel. Hand written notes record that Stephen and his oxen worked long hours manufacturing large gears for the mill. In 1765 documents reveal that he purchased an interest – that is, became a joint owner – and by 1766 the mill was producing large numbers of spruce, pine and hemlock ‘bords’. These were sold locally or carried by ship to ports along the eastern seaboard, according to Stephen’s notebooks.

Stephen Titcomb was a supporter and contributor during the construction of a new church. The building was erected between 1750 and 1751 on land in what later became known as the Landing in Kennebunk. This project was completed following a period of growing discontent; residents of the Landing area were forced to travel up to seven miles on horseback to attend the single church in Wells. Stephen served as treasurer for several terms and kept exact records of parish finances.

Stephen Titcomb became a captain of the militia in 1768 under King George of England. (7) He built a house with garrison defenses; fortunately the Indians soon ceased to be a menace. (8) When the revolutionary war was imminent, Stephen supported the colonies.

By 1770 Maine had been divided into three counties: Cumberland, Lincoln and York. Kennebunk Port, of course, was included as part of York County. (9) High taxes on imported goods such as tea led to increased friction between the residents and England; delegates from Maine’s various counties met with other representatives in Cambridge on December 5 1774. Jonathan Stone and Thomas Perkins Esq., among others, organized the town of Kennebunk Port’s preparations for the coming war. Two companies of militia were organized. Both money and goods were sent to Boston to support the poor. (10)

“We need to make our voices heard! Taxes are too high! The people of Kennebunk Port deserve notice!” Such sentiments surely were expressed in taverns and public gathering places. The shouts of drinking companions would soon be replaced by voices chosen to represent the concerns of the entire population as the Revolutionary War served to unite the settlers. Conventions, town meetings and eventually district courts brought relative order.

In April 1775 word was received from Lexington that a battle had commenced between British soldiers and colonists. As a captain in the militia, Stephen organized 22 men and set off for Lexington. Reaching Portsmouth, Stephen and his men received word that their services were not needed. They returned to Wells. (11)

In the fall of 1775 British warships attacked Falmouth, part of present day Portland. The resulting fire ruined the prosperous town. (12) Stephen Titcomb and others, upon learning of the tragedy, met at the church and organized a Committee of Safety for the purpose of protecting the local coast.

“A watch must be placed! The British may attack out town next!” Men were angry and frightened. Their voices rose in defiance.

“Between Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers, let us have two watches, consisting of four men in total, during the night,” came the suggestion.

“Yes, they can begin at sunset!”

“Have the men obtain tickets at Mr. Boothby’s business in person. Let them proceed in pairs, one pair to Kennebunk Harbor by way of the coast and the other pair to Mousam Harbor! They should then return and continue walking until they meet or reach Mr. Boothby’s!”