Candlemas Massacre of 1692 in York, Maine

HISTORY

After King Phillip’s War of 1675-6, there was another war in the colonies. It was called King William’s War and lasted from 1689-97. It was the first of the French and Indian wars. Not only was it the first of the French and Indian Wars but it was also the first of six colonial wars involving the English and French. It was also the North American theater of the 9 Years War in Europe between France and England with England’s ally, The League of Augsburg.

This brings us to the winter of 1692/3 in York, ME. Maine being near to Canada led to many skirmishes and retaliations. The actual date seems to be somewhat uncertain but is usually considered to be February 2^nd. What is known is that an estimated 150 Abenakis lead by Father Louis-Pierre Thury came at night and massacred about 100 colonists, burned down many buildings, and then captured about 80 and force marched them to Canada. Because of the march many more colonists died. The survivors in Canada were eventually ransomed by Capt. John Alden of Boston.

As mentioned above the date is somewhat uncertain. In the diary of Samuel Sewall he makes mention of it taking place on January 25/6:

"Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1691/2".... This day...news was brought of an Attack made by the Indians on York." 

There is a story about Snowshoe Rock. It’s said that when the Abenakis reached the edges of York they dropped they’re snowshoes at the rock before starting the massacre. It’s also said that a resident of York came across the snowshoes and ran to warn of the coming massacre. Whether it’s true or not is most likely lost in the mists of history.

FAMILY CONNECTION

My 8^th great grandmother, Magdalen Weare (formerly Hilton) was captured by Native Americans in 1693. She was later released but not until after her first husband, Nathaniel Adams died. They had one son, Nat. She then got married to my 8^th great grandfather, Elias Weare. Elias and Magdalen had five children. Shortly after their last child was born, Elias was traveling with a company of friends from Boston to Wells, which is between York and Neddock. It was on this trip that group were attacked by Native Americans and all were killed. My 9^th great grandfathers, Peter Weare and Richard Banks were killed during the Candlemassacre.

In York there is a memorial to the victims of the massacre which is pictured below.

                       

FURTHER REFERENCES AND SOURCES

http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=cb53ee98-fb25-40db-831c-ec10ee562b33&gid=3

http://archive.seacoastonline.com/2001news/2_1maine2.htm Portsmouth Herald Maine News: York commemorates Candlemas Raid

http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20010201/NEWS/302019986

http://history.rays-place.com/me/york-me.htm History of York, Maine (1886)

http://www.oldyork.org/ Old York Historical Society

http://www.mainehumanities.org/ Maine Humanities Council