Fryeburg, Maine: An Historical Sketch

Fryeburg was the first town settled in the White Mountain region of Maine and New Hampshire. The land for Fryeburg Township, lying on both sides of the Saco River, was granted to Colonel Joseph Frye in 1763, and was incorporated in 1777. The author opens with an account of Maine's original inhabitants, the Abnaki Indians, "People of the Aurora Borealis." Particular attention is paid to the Pequawket tribe and their interactions with the early settlers of Fryeburg, including details of the "Battle at the Pond" in 1725. A biographical sketch of Joseph Frye, early settlers with details of their lots, early life and customs, first proprietors, ecclesiastical development, Parson Fessenden, early town government, schools, the Fryeburg Academy, the Saco River, and other geographical assets are covered. Additional topics include: "Fryeburg in the Wars" (the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War), with several rosters; business and industry; town development; organizations; significant figures and much more. A wealth of names augments every topic. Excerpts from a variety of historical documents, an illustration of the Moses Ames house, half a dozen photographs, a list of sources, a subject index and a full-name index enhance the text.