Poland Men in the Wars

Bakerstown settlers had among their numbers men who gad served in the wars. Captain Zebulon Davis of Empire was captured by the British in the Revolutionary War and was a prisoner for some time.

Major James Johnson of Johnson Hill was in the Indians Wars and the Revolution War. Probably Captain Farrington of Empire was another soldier of the Revolution. Captain Davis and LT John Nevens organized a militia unit at Empire and sent word to General Washington that they were ready to help him!

The Civil War had many soldiers from Poland. Captain Robert Snell also served in the Revolution and was part of the muster that was held on Megquier Hill in 1861. Over 300 men went from Poland to that war. The town very loyally supported the men in the service.

In 1861 the town voted to use $5,000 to assist the families of the soldiers. Later bounties of from $75.00 to $300.00 were given to each volunteer. In 1864 the bounty was $450.00! In all Poland raised $50,000 for the support of the war effort. For a town if its size it was quite an achievement.

In the war of 1812 a number of Poland men gave their service. Captain Robert Snell was among that number. His was a patriotic family for his father Joseph was in the Revolution. Captain Nathan Walker distinguished himself in the Civil War. Five sons of Charles Verrill are also on that honored list. Another important family with a Great War record was that of Colonel Joseph Freeman of Minot Corner. He served in the war of the Revolution and his town sons, Joseph H and Charles were in the Civil War. Joseph has the rank of Captain. Amos Harris was on the schooner, Arcadia which was attacked by the rebel ship "Alabama".

In 1872 the A.A Dwinal Post of the Grand Army of the Republic was formed at Mechanic Falls and carried on the work of the veterans of the Civil War for many years.

* Source of this information from the book "Poland Centennial"