 Parsonsfield Seminary burned mysteriously in 1853, at midnight.The overall account of the burning remains unclear, with sources varying on the actual occurrences.When recounting its burning, Oren Burbank Cheney, stated, "the bell tower flickered in flames while the children ran from its pillar-brick walls.." The fire was believed to have killed three school children, and two fugitive slaves, leading to a brief and unsuccessful investigation.