Below is further information on how this database was researched and articles highlighting the experiences of people within this database. Questions? Email us at justhistory@brickstoremuseum.org
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Highlights & Information
Historic Maps of the Local Area
The two most complete sets of historic maps of the area are from 1856 and 1872, when maps were created for all York County towns. The 1856 set, Map of York County Maine from Actual Survey, was published by J.L. Smith Co., based on the work of the surveyor, J. […]
Did You Know?
– That the first enslaved person in Arundel (today’s Kennebunkport) was paid for by the Town? In 1734, as part of a compensation negotiation with Reverend Thomas Prentice, they agreed to provide him with a raise of £10 per year, an additional £20 per year for fuel, and £30 for […]
Research Articles
The First Enslaved Person in Arundel
The First Enslaved Person in “Arundel” was paid for by the Town. “In August 1729, the town by their vote dismissed Mr. Eveleth from his relation to them as a Minister, and he ceased preaching. In the beginning of the next year Mr. Thomas Prentice was engaged as a preacher, […]
Historic Maps of the Local Area
The two most complete sets of historic maps of the area are from 1856 and 1872, when maps were created for all York County towns. The 1856 set, Map of York County Maine from Actual Survey, was published by J.L. Smith Co., based on the work of the surveyor, J. […]
Some Prominent Men of Kennebunk
Here are some examples of how slavery was not uncommon amongst the prominent businessmen of early Wells (which included Kennebunk until 1820). “In 1728, a grant was made, by the ‘proprietors,’ of the old mill lot to Joseph Hill and John Storer, which was laid out and the bounds renewed, […]
A Presidential Pardon
On March 20, 1830, the following statement came forth from the White House: “Whereas it has been represented to me that the American Brig Volant … belonging to Adam Stone and Asa Fairfield, citizens of the United States residing in Kennebunk, State of Maine, has been seized by the Customs […]
Did You Know?
– That the first enslaved person in Arundel (today’s Kennebunkport) was paid for by the Town? In 1734, as part of a compensation negotiation with Reverend Thomas Prentice, they agreed to provide him with a raise of £10 per year, an additional £20 per year for fuel, and £30 for […]
A Negro Man Jeff, an “Heirloom” to Several Generations of the Wells Family
Thomas Wells (1672-1737) and John Wells (1670-1748) were brothers, and the sons of John Wells. They were prominent citizens of the town of Wells. They both enslaved “servants” and passed this “property” to their heirs. The story of Jeff is particularly notable as it involved several generations of the Wells […]
Sheppard Bourn – a Story of Impressment at Sea
Sheppard Bourn was the son of Salem and Peggy. His father Salem (DOB 1755) had been enslaved by John Bourne (1708-1788), the “ancestor of all the Bourne families in Wells and Kennebunk”[1] and a major shipbuilder. “A great many vessels of all sizes were built by him, on the Webhannet, […]