History of Parsonsfield, Maine, USA

Called Parsonstown Plantation, Parsonsfeld was first settled in 1772 by 12 families.

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On August 29, 1785, the town was incorporated as Parsonsfield after Thomas Parsons, one of the largest proprietors.

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1812 - Blazo-Leavitt House was built in Parsonsfield

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Parsonsfield Seminary was founded in 1832

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1839 - Parsonsfield
Parsonsfield, Maine
York county. This town lies at the N.W. corner of the county, and is bounded W. by the state of New Hampshire, and N. by Ossipee river. It is 36 miles W. by N. from Portland, 21 N. by W. from Alfred, and 93 W.S.W. from Augusta.—First settled, 1774. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 2,510.—The surface of the town is rough and hilly, but the soil, though hard, is productive of good crops of grain and hay. Wheat crop, 1837, 3,929 bushels.

There are many good farmers in this town, and good specimens of iron ore, zinc, and crystalized quartz are found here. In this place is an incorporated seminary, for the education of males and females. The institution is under the direction of the Free Will Baptists, and is in a flourishing condition.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Parsonfield
Parsonfield, a post-township in York co., Maine, intersected by the Ossipee river, 80 miles W. S. W. from Augusta. Pop., 2322.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

In 1880, John Devereux and George W. Towle built the Kezar Falls Woolen Mill, a woolen textile factory which became the most important business in Parsonsfield.

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1888 - Parsonsfield
The town of Parsonsfield is in the extreme northwest corner of York County, Maine. Center Square, on the northern slope of Cedar Mountain, is about 30 miles from the ocean, at Old Orchard and thirty-two from Wells Beach on an air line, and 33 miles west-north-west from Portland.

Its northern boundary is the Great Ossipee River (Ossipee signifies "River of Pines" in the Indian dialect.) The towns of Porter and Hiram are north of the river. Effingham and Wakefield, NH, are on the western border, Newfield is on the south, Limerick and Cornish on the east. The outer lines of the town have been measured several times, giving an area from 62.23 to 64 square miles. The length of the western line is nearly 8.5 miles, the eastern something over 9 miles, the northern and southern about 7.3 miles.

The surface of Parsonsfield is quite broken, or more properly, rises into high swells. Ricker's Mountain, in the southwest, is the highest, it being not far from 1,600 feet above the level of the ... Read MORE...

1895 - Parsonfield
Par’sonfield, a post-hamlet in Parsonfield £ York co., Me., about 38 miles W. by N. of Portland. It has 2 churches. The township contains also a village named East Parsonfield, and a pop. of 1894.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906 - Parsonfield
Parsonfield, a post-village in Parsonfield township (town), York co., Me., 38 miles W. by N. or Portland. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1131.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Parsonsfield and its surrounding areas:
Province Lake Golf Course: If you're a golfer, you're in luck. Parsonsfield is home to the beautiful Province Lake Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf while taking in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Province Lake: This picturesque lake is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. There's a public boat launch, so bring your own watercraft or rent one locally.

Hiking in the White Mountains: While not technically in Parsonsfield, the White Mountains are just a short drive away. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including the popular ones like Mount Chocorua or Mount Washington.

Parsonsfield Seminary: This historic building is a notable landmark in town. While it's not open for regular tours, you can admire its beautiful architecture from the outside and learn about its history.

Explore Cornish: Just a short drive away is the town of Cornish, known for its antique shops and picturesque village. It's a... Read MORE...