Minot Corner, April 2. Minot's oldest house is the Davis Place,
situated just up over the hill on the West Minot road, where it
overlooks the little Androscoggin River. In going by, one would
not think it was very old, but George M. Davis, the owner, has a
deed that was made out March 24, 1823, so it has been in the
Davis name for 102 years. Mr. Davis' grandfather, Zebulon Davis,
bought it of a Mr. Woodford.
George Davis had two brothers, Greenfield and Fenelon P. Davis,
Now of Auburn. Fenelon and George were born here at Minot Corner.
George M. Davis lived here with his mother until about 24 years ago
when they moved to Auburn. After the death of his mother, he and his
wife moved back on the of place and lived here for a few years, then
went back to Auburn as it was near his work. Mr. Davis said thirty-three
years ago the house was struck by lighting and it went into every
room but did not, set fire. Sixty-three years ago the house was built
over some. Among Mr. Davis's old letters is one dated in 1820. There
is a paper about his father In which it says:
"Commonwealth Mass."
Headquarters, Boston, April 15, 1818. The Governor and
Commander-in-chief has accepted the Resignation of
Capt. Zebulon Davis as captain in the first Regiment
of Infantry in the first Brigade and twelfth division of Military.
Signed: Fitch Hall, Adjutant General.
When asked why he did not sell the place here when he has two places,
he at once said, "I would not sell my place at Minot Corner. It is my home,
my father's and grandfather's place. It has been in the, Davis name for 102
years and I hope it may be in the Davis name for 102 more." He then went
on to say: "I just love to talk about Minot and the people who live there I
want to tell you a little of the church history.
The first public service was held Nov. 30, 1774, at the home of Chandler
Freeman, conducted by his father Deacon Joseph Freeman and the officers
were Joseph Freeman and Moses Bradbury, deacons. Noah Hersey was
leader in the worship and singing.
The first church was built on the Poland side, being not only the first
church in Minot Corner but also the first church in Poland. The first
church on the Minot side was right across from where Clarence E.
Harris now lives. The present church was built in 1860.
The present pastor is Rev. Ordell E. Bryant.
The famous Peace Society was first started by Capt. William
Ladd and he held meetings over what is now Harrison
Yeaton's blacksmith shop. At that time it was called
"Peace Hall." Mr. Davis has an old deed of a church
pew at Minot Corner made out to his father Mar. 12, 1861.
By this - John H. Doten of Minot, Thaddeus Doten, James F.
Smith, Ezra Woodward and John W. Doten of Poland conveyed
pew No. 4, to Thomas Davis, Mar. 12, 1961, price $45 paid, and
signed by Joseph Freeman, Justice of Peace.
Mr. Davis referred to the late Milton R. Davis, an engineer. He was
the first man to run a locomotive, over the Portland and Rumford Falls railroad
to Rumford. He was at time connected with Buckfield and Lewiston line.
And continued is connection To when it was it extended to Canton.
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