USA > Maine > York County > Parsonsfield > A history of the first century of the town of Parsonsfield, Maine > Part 37
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Colonel Doe early interested himself in agricultural pursuits, and decided to engage in farming as an occupation, which pursuit he fol- lowed, becoming a successful farmer, as his well stored barns and gran- aries, filled with the products of his well-tilled and fertile acres, gave ample evidence.
In 1810, he married Mary Sanborn, daughter of John Sanborn, of said Parsonsfield. The results of this union were twelve children : Martha A. and Mary S. (twin daughters), Alvah, Amzi, Hannah S., Bartlett, John S., Elizabeth A., Calvin (who died, aged about two years), Calvin, second, Nancy H. and Charles F.
Colonel Doe was a man of high moral standing, a courteous gentle- man of the old school, of a large, generous, loving nature, with every trait of genuine, robust and kindly humanity, and fully alive to every touch of true manliness. He believed in the development of every part of our nature, placing the foundation of excellence in deep reli- gious principle, but not overlooking or underrating the claims of social and mental culture. When a young man, he was enrolled in the militia, where, displaying great military capacity, he soon rose from the ranks to the several grades of officers, and was finally commissioned. as Colonel of the Second Regiment of Maine Militia. He was at that time of tall and commanding form, of fine proportions, broad shoulders and full chest, his features were regular and handsome, his voice clear and resounding, and when clad in his uniform and mounted on his caparisoned steed made a most distinguished appearance.
His family were all remarkable for their uprightness, integrity and natural talent and ability. ' Three of his sons, Bartlett, John S. and Charles F., now residing in San Francisco, are remarkable financiers. They are extensively engaged in business, in which by their great natural ability, shrewd management and high business capacity, they have amassed immense fortunes. They are noted for their generosity and benevolence. In 1863, his wife died and he married Lydia Moulton, widow of Cutting Moulton and daughter of Colonel Wentworth Lord,
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of Parsonsfield, as his second wife. They lived together until February 11, 1872, at which time he died as he had lived, honored and respected by all.
MAJOR SAMUEL MERRILL.
On the road leading from Middle Road Village to North Parsons- field, at the top of Merrill's Hill, was the old residence of Colonel Kinsman, and later that of Hardy L. and Salome (Kinsman) Merrill, and where their son, Major Samuel Merrill, was born on the 2d day of September, 1815. He was the ninth and youngest child. He was a studious youth, obtaining his education at the common and high schools in his native town. On arriving at manhood he settled on the old homestead with his father, where he devoted the greater part of his life to agriculture.
On the 21st day of June, 1842, he married Elizabeth R. Knapp, daughter of Daniel Knapp, of Parsonsfield. Four children were the result of this union : Anna F., now the wife of John F. Moore, of New- field ; Lizzie H., now the wife of Willie E. Merrill, of Newbury, Mas- sachusetts ; Frank L. and Ida M.
Mr. Merrill was very quiet and unassuming in his manners, of excel- lent judgment, of unquestioned integrity, having the fullest confidence of all. In politics a democrat; always consistent and never wavering in his adherence and allegiance to the principles of democracy, in which he had perfect confidence and faith. He was elected to the offices of clerk, selectman and treasurer for many successive years.
On January 21, 1868, his wife died. On the 29th day of March, 1871, he married as a second wife Mrs. Rebecca M. Merrill, widow of Doctor Paul Merrill, who survived only a few months after their mar- riage. On the 6th day of June, 1873, he married as his third wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Neal, widow of Enoch Neal.
While in the State Militia, he was elected Lieutenant and Captain, .and later was commissioned as Major in the Second Regiment of Infan- try. He was an able financier, amassing an independent fortune. He made many improvements on the old homestead, where he erected a large and substantial dwelling, which he made pleasant and attractive. He was naturally of a serious disposition, but enjoyed liveliness and
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mirth in others. Toward his friends he was generous, and to his chil- dren indulgent. In his domestic relations his conduct was exemplary, and he cherished a genuine regard for morality and a deep inward love of truth and goodness, favoring all things that tended to human advancement. In early life he became interested in the subject of religion and joined the First Baptist church, of which he ever remained a prominent member. His piety was spontaneous, sincere and earnest. He died on the 20th day of March, 1886, and the old homestead is now occupied by two of his children, Frank L. and Ida M.
JOHN MOORE.
John Moore came from Scarborough to Parsonsfield in 1774, and settled on lot No. 18 in the first range; an older brother, Eben, came with him and settled on No. 16. Both made clearings in the forest that year, in preparation for crops the next year, and returned to Scarborough for the winter. In 1775, John, having made arrangements for the care of his crops during his absence, enlisted with his brothers Abram and Isaac, for a year in the army of the Revolution. Abram and Isaac, at the expiration of enlistment, re-enlisted and served until killed at the battle of Monmouth. John returned to his land and built a log-house, in which he lived for several years, continuing and extending his clear- ings. Later, he built a frame house, and in 1787 married Anne Milli- ken, a woman of rare ability and great force of character. Fourteen children were born to them, ten of whom grew up to manhood and womanhood, and all settled in Maine. He was an industrious and thrifty farmer and raised good crops. His leading crop was Indian corn raised on burnt land as he made clearings, and this was his main reliance for money to pay for his land ; a crop of five hundred bushels raised in a single year, enabled him to purchase lot No. 17 in 1781. He purchased his land of Esquire Parsons, the proprietor, from time to time, as he acquired the means of payment.
The following conveyances appear on record, viz .: October 6, 1779, Thomas Parsons to " John More, of Parsonstown, the westerly have of the lot of land situated in Parsonstown numbered eighteen in the first range," consideration, "one hundred bushels of corn." February 2, 1781, Thomas Parsons to "John Moore, of Parsonstown, lot num-
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bered seventeen in the first range of lots in the township of Parsons- town," consideration, " ninety pounds." April 10, 1795, Thomas Par- sons to " John More, of Parsonsfield, the easterly half of the lot of land numbered eighteen in the first range," consideration, "fifteen pounds."
It is a well-known fact that the line between Parsonstown and the plantation of Washington remained unsettled until after the incorpora- tion of the latter as Newfield, in 1794, the first range of lots being claimed by Newfield. Hence the names of John and Eben Moore first appear on Parsonsfield records in 1794, it being uncertain up to that time whether they were within the limits of Parsonsfield, although they had lived upon their farms since 1774, and were unquestionably the first settlers in town, antedating by some time the settlement of John and Gideon Doe, who it has been claimed were the first settlers.
John Moore died in 1823, aged seventy-five; his wife in 1844, aged seventy-seven years. His son John succeeded to the farm by purchase, paying fifteen hundred dollars, as required by his father, to his brothers and sisters, and having by exchange obtained a more eligible building site on the Newfield side of the line, built the present farm buildings thereon, which he occupied until he sold the farm in 1867 to John F., son of Ira, the present owner, and moved to Limerick, where he died in 1876, aged eighty-six.
Of the children of the original John, Isaac and James always lived in Parsonsfield, Samuel in Leeds, Henry in Durham, Ira in Lisbon, Freeport and finally Parsonsfield, Joseph in Lisbon, Sarah (Mrs. James Thompson) and Jane (Mrs. Moses Ayer) in Newfield, and Mary Ann, the only survivor, now lives in Limerick at the age of eighty. The grandchildren are numerous and widely scattered over different states from Maine to California. L. S. M.
CAPTAIN ALVAH DOE,
Son of Colonel Bartlett and Mary (Sanborn) Doe, was born in Par- sonsfield, August 28, 1813, and was the third child of a family of twelve. He was educated at the common schools and at Effingham Academy. His early years were passed on the homestead of his father, where he grew to manhood, surrounded by the refining influences of the home circle. He was of high moral culture, easy and agreeable
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manners, of pleasing social powers and prepossessing appearance, deservedly popular among his associates, and a general favorite among the masses. He had remarkable clearness of insight, the power of accurate observation and a keen, patient and discriminating judgment.
In 1837, June 11, he married Martha Jane Leavitt, of Effingham, New Hampshire. Seven children were the issue of this marriage : Edward A., George I., Amzi, Augustus, Mellen, Frank P. and Charles W.
In politics he was a democrat, and by his ability, shrewd, sagacious foresight and great popularity, soon became one of its acknowledged and trusted leaders. At the age of thirty-two, he was honored by an election to the Legislature, and served for the years 1845 and 1846. In 1863, he was a member of the state Senate. He held various town offices acceptably to the people, and with honor and credit to himself. While enrolled in the militia, he was elected as Captain of Company D., and later as Adjutant of Second Regiment of Infantry. He was one of the charter members of Charter Oak Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, at Effingham, New Hampshire, and was greatly interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare and prosperity of the lodge, and was chosen as Master for four years.
His wife died in 1870. In 1872, August 11, he married as his second wife, Susan E. Moulton, daughter of Cutting Moulton, of Parsonsfield, . and daughter of his father's second wife. He devoted much of his life to agricultural pursuits at his home on the old Doe homestead. He was a successful and popular teacher in the public schools for many years. After a long and tedious illness, he expired on the 4th day of July, 1885.
HARDY LORIN MERRILL,
Son of Hardy and Abigail (Mudgett) Merrill, was born in Parsons- field, August 29, 1854. He attended school at North Parsonsfield Sem- inary, married, March 7, 1876, Miss Ida J. Emery, of this town, and is now a resident of East Parsonsfield. They have one son, Wilbur, born November 14, 1879. Mr. Merrill is of the fourth generation in town, in direct line from Hardy L. Merrill, who was early on the ground, taking the place where Colonel Jonathan Kinsman had for a few years resided. Mr. Merrill, though a young man, has already been quite
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active in the business affairs of the town, having held several offices of trust, and took the census for 1880.
On January 2, 1882, he received a very severe injury to the spinal system by being a victim of the railroad disaster at Wells, Maine, from which he has never recovered, and which has thus far entirely debarred him from the pursuit of business, in which he was not only much interested but very successful.
He is possessed of those traits of character which recommend him to the confidence and esteem of all, quiet and reserved, reticent and thoughtful, independent and persistent, he presses steadily onward, and accomplishes, without ostentation or display, that which, with many others, would be deemed difficult of achievement. He combines in his makeup the sturdy qualities of his ancestors in both of the fami- lies, the Merrills and the Mudgetts. He is a good financier, and an honored citizen and townsman.
ASA B. PARSONS
Was a man of imposing presence and agreeableness of manners, digni- fied in his demeanor, courtly and courteous. He was the son of Enoch Poor and Betsey (Burnham) Parsons, and great-grandson of Thomas Parsons, the proprietor of the town. He was born May 18, 1806, lived on the homestead with his father, in early life joined the society of . Friends with the other members of the family, and on July 4, 1832, married Miss Lydia Merrill, of Cornish, purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead, and there lived, dying March 3, 1878, aged seventy-two years. Soon after his marriage, he severed his connection with the Friends and joined the Freewill Baptists, remaining a member of that body of believers during his life. He was a very successful farmer, devoting his attention closely to agriculture and matters pertaining thereto. He dealt quite largely in cattle, and always took much interest in, and was the possessor of extra cattle and horses. Mr. Parsons was a man of good judgment, correct in his deportment, a successful financier, an hospitable friend, a kind and obliging neighbor and an excellent citizen and townsman. His family consisted of six children, five of whom are yet living, four sons and one daughter. The eldest, Noah B., is a resident of Virginia City, Nevada. The second son is a resident
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of Council Bluffs, Iowa. The daughter is the wife of John Eastman, of Limerick, Maine. His third son,
DAVID M. PARSONS,
Is a resident of the town, occupying a portion of the parental home- stead, engaged successfully in agriculture. He is a man who is well informed, upright and conscientious, strict in his morals, fair in his dealings, generous in his friendships and modest and unassuming in his manners. He was born about 1840, and married Miss Almira, daughter of Reverend Samuel Pendexter, of Cornish, Maine. They have one child, a daughter, who is successfuly engaged in teaching. Mr. Par- sons was for several years one of the municipal officers of the town, and in that capacity served acceptably, seeking to perform his duties faithfully and well, without reference to applause or censure.
His pleasant home is one of comfort and competency, and the "stranger within his gates " feels the assurance of a genuine welcome. Like his father, he indulges his fancy in cattle and horses, selecting favorite stock and bestowing thereon the best of care and treatment, and in the end reaping rewards therefor. On the other half of the homestead, the youngest brother,
JOHN USHER PARSONS,
resides with the aged mother. He is yet unmarried. He has been absent from the town a portion of the time since he attained his major- ity, being employed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in milling business, and also in northern Minnesota in the lumber business, but at the solicitation of his father returned and made his home here. Mr. Par- sons is a man of strong convictions, just and charitable in his judg- . ments, upright in his dealings, genuine in his professions, an honored friend, neighbor and townsman. He is modest and retiring, neither seeking or accepting positions of prominence in town. He is devoted now to agricultural pursuits, keeps his acres under good cultivation and makes life a success.
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WEEKS.
It is asserted on good authority that the progenitors of the Weekses in this country were two brothers, one of whom was named Leonard and the other Samuel, who came here from England in 1660, and located, one at Greenland, New Hampshire, and the other at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
The first of the name to settle in this town was
SAMUEL WEEKS,
Great-grandson of Leonard, born in Greenland, New Hampshire, November, 21, 1746. He learned the trade of carpenter, went to Strat- ham, and there married Mercy Rundlet, removed from there to Newmar- ket, thence in 1772 he moved to Gilmanton, where he united with the Baptist church. In May, 1777, he was licensed to preach, and on June 15, 1780, he was ordained, and in 1783 he came to Parsonsfield, then Parsonstown, first occupying the log house which the first settler in this part of the town, Samuel Lougee, built, and two years later erect- ing the house in which he ever after lived. For further information concerning him see page 216.
He had a family of nine sons and three daughters, viz .: Noah, Eliph- alet, James, John, Mary, Susanna, Samuel, Ichabod, Matthias, Levi, Benjamin and Mercy. His two sons, Noah and James, were the first merchants at East Parsonsfield, if not in the town. James died at the age of twenty-three years. Noah married and resided at East Parsons- field, had four sons and two daughters. He was long a successful merchant and an upright citizen, taking much interest in all moral and religious reforms. He was representative to the Legislature in 1826 and 1827.
Eliphalet married, settled at East Parsonsfield and had six sons and one daughter. Four of the sons left town early. Samuel died at East Parsonsfield in 1867, and John, the father of Doctors S. H. Weeks, of Portland, and Albion Weeks, of Providence, Rhode Island, after the birth of his children, removed to Oxford County, Maine, and there died. John and Matthias moved to Cornish, Ichabod died in child- hood and Levi settled at East Parsonsfield, where his descendants yet reside. Benjamin, the ninth son of Samuel also settled in town near
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the old homestead, and had a family of nine children, only two of whom are now living.
The descendants of Reverend Samuel Weeks are very numerous, and have always been counted among the best citizens of the town. Many of them have taken high rank in their various callings, trades and professions.
MAJOR JAMES W. WEEKS,
Son of Noah, deserves especial mention. He married Sarah Frye, of Limerick, and had eight children. He devoted his time to agriculture and mercantile pursuits, was a man of strict integrity, exemplary in his deportment and dignified in his demeanor. He was among the fore- most to advocate the cause of temperance in this section, detested slavery, and earnestly advocated education and progress. He was for three successive years, from 1833, elected as representative to the Legislature, and served his town faithfully in important positions. In 1853, he removed to Massachusetts and thence to Michigan, where he died in 1875, aged about seventy-six years. Two of his daughters became the wives of Isaac Brackett, who was in company with J. W. Weeks in mercantile business at East Parsonsfield for several years.
SETH CHELLIS,
Son of Ezekiel and Betsey (Kennison) Chellis, was born in Newfield, Maine, March 19, 1820. At the age of fourteen years he came to Par- sonsfield and lived in the family of Elisha Piper, junior, until he was twenty-one, when he went to Massachusetts and labored at farming and driving an ice-cart for twelve years, marrying Miss Susan Williams in 1842. A few years later, Mrs. Chellis died, and he again married Miss Belinda, daughter of Mark Wood, of Newfield, and two children were the result of this union, one dying in early childhood, and the other, a son, Daniel, now residing with his father. Mrs. Chellis died, and Mr. Chellis married, in 1857, Mrs. Moses Weeks, and they had one daughter Susie, who is the wife of George Garvin, of Shapleigh. This wife died, and in 1865 Mr. Chellis married Miss Fannie C. Davis, of Parsonsfield, and they have a son, Seth D., now nineteen years of age, who is engaged in teaching.
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Mr. Chellis is a man of sterling worth, upright, industrious and fru- gal, owns one of the largest and most productive farms in town, and makes the business of agriculture a success. His character is above reproach, and no one in a wide circle is more fully trusted. He and his wife are members of the Freewill Baptist church, not because of their professions alone, but because of their consistent Christian lives. Their home is one of comfort and hospitality, of peace and plenteous prosperity, and their friendships are spontaneous and genuine ..
We have thus far traced some of the important families who have been residents of the town. Many more will receive attention in Part Four of this history, while many more of equal merit, who have been or whose descendants are, residents of the town, are omitted for the reason that diligent search and inquiry have failed to yield the neces- sary information and receive the desired response.
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Israel Banks.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
PART IV.
GENEALOGIES.
AMES.
The first settler in Parsonsfield by the name of Ames was John, b. in 1746, in New- market, N. H .; m. Elizabeth Neal, of Gilmanton, N. H., in 1770; came to Parsonsfield in 1736; d. June 21, 1824; wife d. Feb. 18, 1827. They had six children, viz: John, b. 1773; settled in Tamworth, N. H. Samuel, b. 1775; settled in Wakefield, N. H. Betsey, b. 1777. Marston, b. 1779. Catherine, b. 1782. Daniel, b. 1786. Marston and Daniel settled in town, near "Province Pond." Daniel died without issue. Marston m. Mary Manning, of Ossipee, N. H., in 1809; d. Sept. 14, 1851; wife d. Dec. 12, 1836. Their children were: Hannah, b. May 30, 1810; m. Titcomb Wentworth, of Newfield; had three children, their only son, John T. Wentworth, resides on the Ames' home- stead in town; she died in 1885. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 22, 1812. Lydia, b. Dec. 15, 1813; m. John Sutton, of Parsonsfield, now a resident of Illinois; no issue. Jolin M., b. April 10, 1816; d. April 10, 1885; unmarried. Marston, b. Feb. 19, 1818; unmarried; a resi- dent of Illinois. Daniel J., b. June 1, 1822; m. Miss Abby Fogg; resides in Illinois; has two children. Zimri Fisher, b. July 10, 1824; married - -; resides in La Salle Co., Ill .; has three children. Martha, b. Feb. 13, 1829; m. John Towne; resides in Parsonsfield; has one daughter.
Nathaniel Ames, a brother of John, came to Parsonsfield about 1786, had a son Phineas, and a daugliter who married Moulton Smart. Phineas had a son John, who married Abby Ricker, daughter of John Ricker; they had one child, none residing in town. The only other member of this original Ames family was a daughter, who became the wife of John Doe, of Parsonsfield.
BANKS. (See Banks family, page 326, Part III.)
Jacob Banks, son of Moses and Phebe Banks, was the first settler; b. Feb. 27, 1775, in Scarboro, Me .; m. Reliance Edgcomb, Oct. 5, 1805; d. March 28, 1861; wife died Sept. 10, 1832; had seven children: Mary, b. July 9, 1806; m. Thomas Churchill, March 14, 1830; now living. Otis, b. March 14, 1808; m. -- -; Nov. 23, 1872. Phebe C., b. Sept. 25, 1811; d. Jan. 30, 1874. Sally E., b. June 30, 1814; m. David Pills- bury, jr., Dec. 10, 1835. Israel, b. March 22, 1816; m., 1st, Martha A. Pillsbury ; had one daughter, b. Oct. 23, 1841, d. Nov. 30, 1853; Mrs. Banks d. Dec. 18, 1843; 2d wife, Elvira Moulton, m. June 26, 1849; have four children : Martha A., b. May 21, 1854, m. Charles T. Wentworth; Lydia W., b. June 21, 1856, m. Stanton I. Hanson, April 7, 1880; Frank O., b. April 8, 1860, and Olive L., b. Sept. 22, 1869. Eliza W., b. July 3, 1820; m. Chase Moulton, July 17, 1842. Lydia E., b. Nov. 10, 1822; m. Elisha Wad- leigh, June 6, 1844; d. Oct. 25, 1856.
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BLAZO.
This family descended from one Amos Blazo, who came from Bordeaux, France, in 1735, and settled in Greenland, N. H. His son Amos settled in Parsonsfield, b. Dec. 3, 1738, moved to town in 1778, and settled in North Parsonsfield. Farmer - m. Joanna Libby in 1760; d. Feb. 23, 1821; wife died Aug. 30, 1810. Their children were : Catherine, b. Aug. 11, 1762. Daniel, b. Sept. 1764. Michance, b. -. Joseph, b. June 16, 1768. Ebenezer, b. Sept 1, 1770. John, b. Dec. 4, 1776; all born in Rye, N. H. Jonathan, b. July, 1775. William, b. March 1, 1777, in Epsom, N. H. Polly, b. in Par- sonsfield, April 2, 1779; d. October 10, 1784. The sons all settled in Parsonsfield, at what is known as Blazo's Corner. Catherine m. Jonathan Towle; d. Dec. 16, 1809 Daniel m. Abigail Chapman in 1796; d. Jan. 19, 1802; had three children: Robert Tibbetts, b. Aug. 11, 1797; John, b. Nov. 23, 1798, and Henry, b. 1800. Joseph m. Susan Paine ; d. Jan., 1827. Ebenezer m. Nancy Towle; d. Sept. 10, 1855. John died Nov. 4, 1821. Jonathan m. Jane Deshon, 1799; d. June, 1817. William m. Mehitable Wedgwood, Dec. 1, 1808; d. Aug. 25, 1830. Robert Tibbetts Blazo, lawyer, son of Daniel, m. Mary Freeman, Dec. 24, 1835; has four children : Daniel Otis, lawyer and farmer, lives at North Parsonsfield ;. m. Emily Perkins; have had five children, two living, Mildred and Grace. Susan C., m. John G. Leavitt, and they have one son, Robert Blazo Leavitt, now at Cambridge University, Mass. Charles, physician (see page 156). Emily m. Hiram H. Brown, a lawyer, residing in Lowell, Mass. They have one daughter.
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