December 4, 2025
We are excited to share an article from the December 4th edition of the Waterboro Reporter focusing on the history of Cornish land surveying, which heavily references the history of our namesake, Francis Small.
The article summarizes a recent presentation by Robert Yarumian II of Maine Boundary Consultants, covering the evolution of local land from its ancient roots to the present day.
- Indigenous History: The presentation touched on the area’s original occupation by Native Americans, noting that the land we now know as Cornish was part of the Pequaket Trail, traveled by the Sokokis tribe.
- The Francis Small Propriety: The history of Francis Small’s settlement and fur trading post in the 1600s was detailed, including the pivotal land exchange with Chief Wesumbe (Captain Sandy). This exchange, recorded in a 1668 deed, resulted in Small acquiring a vast tract of land between the Great and Little Ossipee Rivers, up to the Saco River.
- Town Formation: The presentation explains that Francis Small’s heirs, known as the proprietors, later petitioned the courts to regain the land following the French and Indian Wars. This process led to the formation of the towns of Cornish (originally “Francisborough”), Limerick, and Parsonsfield. These three towns, along with Limington and Newfield, are believed to have been included in the original 1668 deed.
The article provides fascinating context on how the land was settled, surveyed, and developed into the modern communities of southern Maine. Read the full article in the Waterboro Reporter.
Francis Small Heritage Trust, Inc. 